Club Africain coach David Bettoni has come under fire in Tunisia after reportedly dropping three players from his squad for refusing to break their Ramadan fast before a match.
The French coach, a former assistant to Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, is said to have excluded Hamdi Laabidi, Gaith Saghir, and Algerian Abdelmalek Kelaleche from Thursday’s game against Stade Tunisien.
The decision has sparked heated debate in Tunisia, a predominantly Muslim country where religious observance is deeply rooted.
The controversy has extended beyond Tunisia, with a wave of reactions across social media, particularly in Algeria, where many have condemned Bettoni’s move as an infringement on religious freedom.
Some argue that players should have the right to fast while competing, citing other leagues where accommodations are made for Muslim athletes.
According to multiple Tunisian media reports, the three players had sought to convince Bettoni that they were physically capable of playing despite fasting. However, the coach reportedly refused to reconsider, opting to leave them out of the squad for the match, which Club Africain won 1-0.
While some defend Bettoni’s decision as a matter of sporting performance, critics say it disrespects personal beliefs. In European leagues, for example, teams have introduced mid-game breaks to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan.
This incident reignites the long-standing debate over the balance between religious practices and professional sports.
Similar controversies have surfaced in the past, with different coaches and federations adopting varying stances on whether players should be allowed to fast while competing.
Despite securing the narrow victory over Stade Tunisien, Club Africain’s win has been overshadowed by the growing backlash.
The club has yet to officially comment on the situation, but discussions over religious freedoms and sports performance are expected to continue dominating conversations in Tunisian and North African football circles.
