Parramatta Eels rising player Mohamed Alameddine has been indefinitely stood down from the club's playing program due to safety concerns stemming from Sydney's escalating gangland conflict. The decision, made by the club, aims to protect the winger, his teammates, and spectators.
Alameddine has not played in the NSW Cup since June 8, though he remains under contract with the Eels for the upcoming season. The club's action followed separate incidents involving some of his relatives, which prompted NSW Police to contact the Parramatta club regarding potential safety issues. However, police did not issue a directive for Alameddine to be stood down.
It is understood that Alameddine is not accused of any wrongdoing and has not been linked to organized crime. The concerns reportedly began after an alleged plot to assassinate Sydney rapper Ay Huncho, whose legal name is Ali Younes. Police allege that individuals intended to use a drone to monitor Younes while he attended a junior rugby league match in western Sydney in April.
Younes is reportedly a senior figure in the Alameddine organized crime network and is related to the Eels winger. The family has been involved in a dispute with a rival group, the Coconut Cartel, reportedly composed of former members of the Alameddine network and others vying for control of Sydney's drug trade.
Following the alleged drone incident, officers from the NSW Police Raptor Squad met with NSW Rugby League officials to discuss potential safety risks associated with Younes's presence at matches. Security measures were subsequently enhanced at some rugby league fixtures.
The Parramatta Eels formally removed Alameddine from their playing program after a second incident occurred outside a western Sydney school, involving two of his relatives. A gunman allegedly confronted the individuals before his weapon reportedly jammed, allowing them to escape unharmed. This incident took place the day after Alameddine scored his team's only try in a NSW Cup match.
As a precautionary measure, Alameddine has been absent from regular team training but continues to follow an individual program. He reportedly maintains contact with his teammates remotely.
The club declined to provide a public explanation for Alameddine's absence. The decision has drawn criticism from some rugby league supporters who questioned the stand-down of a player not accused of any offense. Concerns have been raised about the fairness of punishing an individual based on family connections, with some fans advocating for an investigation by the NRL. The indefinite stand-down has created uncertainty regarding Alameddine's progression to first-grade football, with no set date for his return to team training or competitive play.