The Tunisian Football Federation has provided clarification regarding the situation of player Mourtada Ben Wannas, who was excluded from Tunisia’s squad ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Safieddine Al Jaziri, the striker from Zamalek, replaced Ben Wannas in the tournament due to compelling family circumstances, as announced last Wednesday.
Ben Wannas participated in a match for Kasimpasa against Besiktas on Friday, contributing to his team’s 3-1 victory in the 19th round of the Turkish League.
The Tunisian Football Federation’s statement outlined the following points:
1. The federation expressed its joy at Mourtada Ben Wannas’ daughter overcoming a critical phase, wishing her continued health and safety.
2. The player provided an initial oral report on his daughter’s health to the national team’s technical and medical staff, emphasizing his commitment to staying by her side during this crucial treatment period.
3. The national team’s coaching staff decided to exempt Ben Wannas and replace him during the final legal day for submitting the final lists to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
4. The Tunisian Football Federation deems Ben Wannas’ participation with his club today unacceptable and will take necessary disciplinary measures against him.
Coach Jalal Al Qadri included Safieddine Al Jaziri in the squad after Ben Wannas’ exclusion, who is currently facing challenging family circumstances.
Ben Wannas expressed on Facebook, “It is a great honor to be among the players called upon to defend the Tunisian national team’s flag in various competitions.
Unfortunately, due to compelling family reasons, I had to leave the country urgently and return to Turkey.”
He added, “I called Coach Jalal Al Qadri and informed him that my two-year-old daughter was urgently admitted to a hospital in Istanbul after a bacterial infection spread from her ear to brain cells.”
“I regret to inform everyone that, due to this trial, I will be unable to join my colleagues in the national team’s camp.
I ask all Tunisian fans to accept my apology, seeking guidance from Allah for the team and a speedy recovery for my daughter.”
Tunisia is placed in Group A alongside Mali, South Africa, and Namibia in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled from January 13 to February 11 in Ivory Coast.
The tournament will feature the participation of 24 teams for the third time, following the editions in 2019 and 2021.
