Algerian star Youcef Belaïli questioned by French police over flight altercation

Espérance de Tunis striker Youcef Belaïli has been released by French police after being questioned upon arrival from New York at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The Algerian international was en route to his native country after taking part in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

French police arrested the striker in connection with a mid-air incident. According to DZ Foot, Belaïli had an altercation with an Air France cabin crew member over a seatbelt for his two-year-old son. The incident led police to arrest and question both Belaïli and his brother.

Belaïli’s father told Algerian football television channel El Heddaf that his son had done nothing wrong. After negotiations brokered by Espérance officials, Belaïli was released earlier today. His brother remains in custody.

This is not the first time the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner has been involved in controversy. Belaïli was previously suspended for several months after failing a doping test. While his behavior has often been criticized, he is considered one of the greatest talents to emerge from Algeria.