World Cup 2010: Saifi ‘slapped female journalist’

A FEMALE journalist has claimed Algeria footballer Rafik Saifi slapped her in the face after his side were knocked out of the World Cup.

‘I was waiting for the Algerian players. When Saifi came I just moved away. I felt a hit,’ Asma Halimi told BBC World Service. The journalist, who works for Algerian newspaper Competition, said she had a disagreement with Saifi a year ago. ‘I will make [a] complaint with Fifa and the police,’ she added. The BBC World Service’s Richard Connelly witnessed the incident in the mixed zone, an area where journalists and players congregate, after the match.’Rafik Saifi slapped the face of journalist Asma Halifi,’ said Connelly. ‘She hit him back as a reflex. He then threw a bottle of sports drink which missed and had to be restrained from attacking her again.’The BBC understands the altercation comes after a year of bad feelings between the pair. Halifi told Connelly that Saifi had taken exception to an interview that she translated and published in her newspaper. She added that she intended to complain to Fifa and to the police. An Algerian federation spokesman said he had no information about the incident and so could not comment. Fifa spokesman Nicolas Maingot said that he had not yet heard about the incident, but was also yet to receive an official report. He declined to comment on the incident but said: ‘It’s clear the values of fair play apply not only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well.’ The Algerians had just been knocked out of the World Cup after losing to an injury-time goal by Landon Donovan of the United States. – bbc.co.uk

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.