Club Sportif Sfaxien have lodged an official protest regarding the eligibility of Espérance Sportive de Zarzis player Jassem Ben Kilani during their opening Ligue 1 fixture.
The match, played in Sfax, ended in a 2-1 victory for Zarzis. However, the result may now be subject to review after Sfaxien challenged the participation of Ben Kilani, whose contractual status has been brought into question.
According to reports, Libyan side Al Ahli Al Musrati have claimed that Ben Kilani remained under contract with them at the time of the match.
The club alleges that the player unilaterally terminated his agreement before moving to Zarzis, a move they argue was not formally finalised under transfer regulations.
Sfaxien officials are understood to be basing their complaint on this claim, suggesting that the player’s registration may not have complied with the rules governing player transfers and eligibility.
If proven, such a breach could lead to disciplinary action, which may include the overturning of the match result.
While neither Sfaxien nor Zarzis has publicly detailed the formal grounds of the protest, the issue highlights ongoing challenges within Tunisian football concerning player movement and contractual disputes.
Cases involving contested transfers often hinge on documentation and the timing of official clearances, both of which can determine whether a player is legally eligible to appear in competitive fixtures.
In the contested match itself, Zarzis secured the win through a determined performance, coming from behind to claim all three points.
The result had initially given them a positive start to their campaign, while Sfaxien were left to reflect on a narrow defeat at home.
Now, the outcome could face alteration pending the decision of the relevant football authorities.
The Tunisian Football Federation will be tasked with reviewing the complaint, assessing evidence from all involved parties, including transfer records, player contracts, and correspondence between clubs.
The process could take several weeks, particularly if additional testimony is required from the Libyan Football Federation regarding Ben Kilani’s prior registration.
For Sfaxien, the stakes are high. A successful protest could see them awarded the points or the match replayed, altering the early standings in Ligue 1.
For Zarzis, the challenge lies in defending their position and proving that all procedures were followed correctly in securing the player’s services.
As the matter unfolds, it adds early-season intrigue to the Tunisian top flight — a reminder that in football, battles are fought both on and off the pitch.
