Espérance Sportive de Tunis head coach Patrice Beaumelle could be drawn into disciplinary proceedings by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after comments made in the aftermath of his team’s recent defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Tunisian side were beaten 2-0 in the second leg on Saturday, sealing a 3-0 aggregate elimination after losing the first leg 1-0 at home.
Speaking after the match, Beaumelle reportedly raised concerns over the performance of referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, questioning several key decisions that went against his side. Central to his criticism was a penalty awarded to Sundowns, which he suggested should not have stood.
His remarks, made shortly after the final whistle, have since attracted attention within continental football circles, with CAF expected to review both the statements and match footage.
CAF is understood to be examining whether the coach’s comments breach regulations that restrict public criticism of match officials, rules designed to safeguard referees and maintain the integrity of competition.
Should the disciplinary panel find a violation, Beaumelle could face sanctions ranging from financial penalties to a touchline ban, depending on the severity of the offence and precedent in similar cases.
While CAF has yet to issue an official statement, internal processes are believed to be underway.
The development shifts some of the spotlight away from the pitch, where a tightly contested tie was decided, and onto possible disciplinary action in the coming days.
Mamelodi Sundowns, meanwhile, progress to the CAF Champions League final where they will meet Moroccan outfit AS FAR.
