Tunisian FA extends final deadline for clubs to secure 2026-27 league licences

The Tunisian Football Federation has granted clubs a final extension to complete the requirements for licences to participate in the 2026-27 Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 season.

The federation announced on Monday that its decision on the licensing applications had been postponed until 17 August 2026. The previous deadline had been set for 10 August, but clubs have now been given an additional week to resolve any outstanding issues.

The federation said the extension had been approved after it reviewed the Confederation of African Football’s regulations governing the granting of club licences. It stressed that the new date would be the final opportunity for clubs to complete the necessary legal requirements.

In particular, clubs must settle their outstanding debts before they can be granted permission to compete in the new domestic season.

A statement from the Tunisian Football Federation said: “We ask all concerned clubs to respect the final deadlines mentioned and regularise their situation so that they can obtain the licence in accordance with the law.”

The licensing process is a key requirement for clubs seeking to take part in the Tunisian top flight during the 2026-27 campaign. The federation’s decision means clubs that have not yet fulfilled the conditions have until 17 August to do so, with no further deadline extension indicated.

The issue has already affected at least one club. Tunisian sports website Nessma Sport previously reported that the federation had refused to grant US Monastir a licence to participate in the domestic competition because the club had not provided a clearance certificate relating to the players’ insurance payment.

That decision placed US Monastir among the clubs whose eligibility remained subject to the completion of the federation’s licensing conditions. The latest announcement gives the club, along with any other affected sides, a final period in which to settle the outstanding requirements.

Club Africain won the Tunisian league title last season, claiming the trophy for the 14th time in its history. It was the club’s first league championship in 11 years.

The new season will also see Club Africain and Esperance compete in the CAF Champions League. CS Sfaxien and Esperance Sportive de Zarzis will represent Tunisia in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The federation’s 17 August deadline therefore comes before the clubs begin their continental campaigns and is intended to ensure that participating teams meet the legal and financial standards required under the relevant regulations. However, the statement made clear that the date is final and that clubs must complete their outstanding obligations by then to secure their licences.