Tunisia Ligue 1: CS Sfaxien challenges refereeing appointment ahead of Club Africain clash

Club Sportif Sfaxien has formally requested a change in the refereeing team for their upcoming Ligue 1 encounter against Club Africain, citing concerns over the appointment of Naim Hosni to oversee VAR duties.

The fixture, scheduled for Sunday at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, marks the fifth round of the Tunisian top-flight season.

Tensions surrounding the match escalated after Sfaxien’s management lodged an official letter with the National Directorate of Arbitration questioning Hosni’s selection.

According to the club, the decision stems from what they describe as repeated grievances with the referee’s performances in past matches.

Sfaxien claim previous officiating by Hosni has directly disadvantaged their side, influencing results in ways they believe were unjust.

In its statement, the club emphasised that its request was not made lightly, but rather out of a duty to safeguard the integrity of the competition.

Our concern is about fairness and transparency, Sfaxien officials explained. Given our history with this referee, we fear the credibility of the contest may be undermined.

The protest highlights a broader issue that has long stirred debate in Tunisian football: trust in refereeing standards and the role of VAR. While technology was introduced to limit controversy, the human element remains central, and the appointment of certain officials often sparks discontent among clubs and supporters alike.

For Sfaxien, Sunday’s encounter carries significant weight beyond the dispute.

Matches against Club Africain are among the fiercest derbies in Tunisian football, often shaping the momentum of the season.

Both teams are battling for early positioning in the league table, making the outcome vital for confidence and momentum.

The National Directorate of Arbitration has yet to issue a formal response to Sfaxien’s request.

Whether Hosni will be replaced or confirmed in his role remains uncertain, but the controversy has already added another layer of intensity to a fixture that rarely lacks drama.

As the build-up continues, attention will remain divided between preparations on the pitch and the decision off it.

For supporters, however, the priority is clear: a fair contest where the outcome is decided by players rather than disputed refereeing calls.

Whatever the final ruling, the spotlight on Sunday’s match will extend beyond the rivalry itself, serving as another reminder of how officiating remains a flashpoint in Tunisian football.