French rugby star Mohamed Haouas’ journey to this year’s World Cup is in doubt after the Montpellier striker was taken into police custody on suspicion of domestic violence.
The prosecutor in Montpellier, where he was detained by police on Friday, confirmed a new problem with the law that threatens Haouas’ international future.
“I can confirm that the player has been in police custody since 6.10pm yesterday [sexta-feira] for domestic violence committed on a public road in Montpellier”said Fabrice Belargent this Saturday to AFP.
The exact circumstances surrounding this arrest – also confirmed by the player’s lawyer, Marc Gallix – are still unknown, although two lawsuits are still pending for alleged crimes committed a decade ago.
The 29-year-old, married father of two, has 16 caps to his name and was part of the French squad at this year’s Six Nations Tournament, although he was shown a red card for a headbutt in his only game , against Scotland, and was suspended for the remainder of the tournament.
He is currently awaiting sentencing in a trial held this month in Montpellier for his participation as a “leader” in violence a decade ago.
The prosecution asked for a two-year suspended sentence, with the reading of the sentence scheduled for June 30, two months before the World Cup, which will take place in France.
This schedule creates a dilemma for French coach Fabien Galthie, who will reveal his starting 42-man squad for the tournament nine days earlier on June 21.
In February 2022, Haouas received an 18-month suspended prison sentence for participating in a series of robberies in April 2014 and taking delivery of a stolen car.
Haouas said at his trial in Montpellier this month that his “goal is never to return to court” and that he wanted to “turn the page” about childhood mistakes.
At the time, Galthie refused to condemn him publicly. “I want to protect, help and encourage him,” he explained.
Haouas plays his entire playing career at Montpellier, but next season he will move to rival Clermont, who is in the top 14.
“I decided to leave Montpellier before the end of my contract for a complete move, a change of home, city, life,” he explained.
Clermont was contacted by the AFP on Saturday and declined to comment on the arrest.
Source: DN
