The coach of the Mali national football team, Eric Chelle, has expressed his displeasure with Serie A club Atalanta Bergamo regarding the management of striker El Bilal Touré. Chelle, in a press conference, criticized Atalanta for their handling of the 22-year-old forward, who has been recovering from an injury sustained in July 2023.
El Bilal Touré, with 15 caps and 5 goals for Mali, was notably absent from the list of 27 players announced by Chelle for the upcoming AFCON 2023.
Despite Touré’s recovery, Chelle alleged that Atalanta intentionally delayed his return to the field, jeopardizing his chances of being selected for the continental tournament.
“I am hugely disappointed with the way Atalanta Bergamo proceeded. We have had no feedback, neither me nor the (selection) doctor for a good month.
Between us, I hoped that El Bilal was with us. Because the truth is that he is ready, not necessarily for the first match but he is ready,” stated Chelle, expressing his frustration.
Chelle went on to accuse Atalanta of hindering Touré’s return to collective training and threatened to escalate the matter to FIFA.
“I reserve the right with my federation to intervene on a legal level because it doesn’t work like that,” he emphasized, highlighting the need for clear communication and cooperation between clubs and national teams.
“I am extremely disappointed and slightly angry at the lack of respect towards my staff, my team, and my country,” Chelle added, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent dialogue with clubs for the smooth functioning of national team affairs.
As Mali prepares for a friendly match against Guinea-Bissau and their subsequent participation in AFCON 2023, the controversy surrounding El Bilal Touré’s exclusion adds an unexpected layer of tension to the team’s preparations.
The threat of FIFA intervention looms large as Chelle seeks resolution and accountability from Atalanta Bergamo.
“Ils l’ont (El Bilal Touré) empêché de faire l’entraînement collectif… Ils nous ont lâché… Je suis en colère vis-à-vis du manque de respect envers ma federation et mon pays”
Éric Chelle 🇲🇱 pic.twitter.com/dv2FindtpD— Nation Black Mali 🇲🇱 (@NationMali) January 3, 2024
