AC Ajaccio face a major legal battle after accusing their former player Youcef Belaïli of fraud in a dispute that now threatens the club’s future.
The French side risks a transfer ban after FIFA issued a ruling on 11 July 2025, based on a document the club insists is fake.
The ban stops Ajaccio from signing new players, a decision that could jeopardise their operations and long-term survival.
The saga started in April 2023 when the Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered Belaïli to pay €380,000 to Al-Ahli Saudi FC.
The payment related to a financial penalty placed on the Algerian forward and had no connection to AC Ajaccio.
In 2024, Belaïli lodged a complaint with FIFA demanding that Ajaccio pay the sum.
He presented a memorandum of understanding allegedly signed by Ajaccio’s former general manager, Alain Caldarella, and Al-Ahli.
The document claimed the club had agreed to cover the fine.
Ajaccio quickly rejected the claim, calling the document a forgery and writing to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to challenge the decision.
Evidence supports the club’s position. Al-Ahli confirmed the agreement never existed and said the supposed signatory never worked for them.
Caldarella also denied any involvement and filed a complaint for forgery, stating he never signed the document.
The situation worsened when Ajaccio’s new leadership took control on 8 September 2025.
The previous administration had failed to mount a defence or appeal the ruling within the required timeframe, leaving the club without legal recourse.
Ajaccio’s board has now filed a criminal complaint for forgery and fraud with the Ajaccio Public Prosecutor.
They argue that Belaïli’s actions amount to deliberate deception designed to extract money the club does not owe.
The club also insists that FIFA lift the recruitment ban immediately to protect its future.
Officials warn that without the ability to sign players, Ajaccio cannot compete, risking jobs and the club’s survival in French football.
“This situation puts our entire institution in danger,” a club statement read.
“We face penalties based on a falsified document. We urge FIFA to reconsider and allow us to operate normally while the investigation continues.”
The case marks another chapter in Belaïli’s controversial career, which has included legal disputes and disciplinary issues at several clubs.
Ajaccio believe his latest actions cross a legal line, and they hope the courts will confirm that no agreement ever existed.
While the legal process unfolds, Ajaccio remain in limbo. The team must plan their season without knowing whether they will be allowed to strengthen the squad.
Their future now depends on the outcome of the fraud investigation and FIFA’s response to their appeal.
The club’s management says they will continue fighting to clear Ajaccio’s name and overturn what they call an unjust decision.
Until then, the shadow of Belaïli’s alleged forgery will hang over their campaign and could shape the club’s future for years to come.
