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ESPNsoccernet: World Cup 2010 | |
Algeria footballer Rafik Saifi faces a FIFA investigation after a female journalist claimed he slapped her in the aftermath of his side's defeat to USA.
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Asma Halimi, who works for Algerian newspaper Competition, told the BBC: "I was waiting for the Algerian players. When Saifi came I just moved away. I felt a hit. I will make a complaint with FIFA and the police."
"Saifi slapped the face of journalist Asma Halifi," BBC World Service's Richard Connelly, who witnessed the attack, said. "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 pair have clashed before and it is understood there was a similar incident involving them last year. "Saifi took exception to an interview that she translated and published in her newspaper," Connelly added. "She's going to complain formally to FIFA and to the police later on tonight."
A spokesman for the Algerian FA said he had no information regarding the incident.