CAS orders Tunisia federation to compensate coach Mehdi Nafti

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled in favour of Tunisian coach Mehdi Nafti, ordering the Tunisian Football Federation to pay compensation following his dismissal before he could take up his role.

The decision brings an end to a dispute that began in 2024, when Nafti was appointed assistant manager of the Tunisia national team.

He had been set to work alongside head coach Faouzi Benzarti, but was relieved of his duties before officially assuming the position.

Challenging the decision, Nafti took his case to the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking recognition of wrongful dismissal and requesting payment of the full salary outlined in his contract.

The case was reviewed over several months, with both parties presenting their arguments before the governing body.

In its final ruling delivered on Tuesday, CAS found in favour of the former assistant coach, confirming that the Tunisian Football Federation must compensate him.

However, the court stopped short of granting the full financial claim submitted by Nafti, instead determining a reduced amount.

The federation has been ordered to pay 142,000 Tunisian dinars, a figure significantly lower than the total sum initially requested by the coach.

While the ruling confirms that Nafti’s dismissal warranted financial redress, it also limits the federation’s financial liability in the matter.

The case highlights the contractual complexities surrounding coaching appointments and terminations within international football structures. For Nafti, the decision represents a measure of justice after being unable to begin the role he had been assigned.

For the Tunisian Football Federation, the outcome brings closure to a legal process that has remained unresolved since 2024.

Although required to pay compensation, the reduced amount may be seen as a partial relief compared to the full claim.

The ruling underscores the role of CAS as the final authority in resolving disputes within global sport, particularly in cases involving employment disagreements between coaches and federations.

With the verdict now delivered, both parties can move forward following a case that has drawn attention within Tunisian football circles.