Esperance reactivate Youssef Belaili’s contract after CAS lifts sanction

Esperance Sportive de Tunis have reactivated the contract of Algeria international Youssef Belaili after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lifted the sanction imposed on the winger.

The Tunisian giants had announced Belaili’s departure several weeks ago, paving the way for the experienced attacker to pursue a new challenge. Algerian club MC Alger subsequently announced an agreement with the player, fuelling expectations that Belaili would return to the Algerian league.

However, the situation has now taken an unexpected turn following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to lift the sanction imposed on the 33-year-old.

Following the ruling, Esperance confirmed that Belaili’s existing contract with the club has been reactivated, making him eligible to return to the squad and represent the Tunisian giants once again.

“Esperance Sportive de Tunis announces the lifting of the sanction imposed on our player Youssef Belaili. Consequently, the contract he had previously signed with the club has been reactivated, making him eligible to rejoin the team and represent Esperance Sportive de Tunis.”

Belaili had been widely expected to join the Algerian club after MC Alger publicly announced that they had reached an agreement with the player. The move appeared to be the natural conclusion to his departure from Esperance.

Instead, the CAS ruling has provided Esperance with a major boost and opened the door for the Algeria international to continue his career in Tunisia.

The winger is no stranger to Esperance, having previously enjoyed a successful spell with the club, and his return gives the Tunisian giants an experienced attacking option as they prepare for the new campaign.

For MC Alger, the development comes as a blow after the club had publicly confirmed an agreement with Belaili and appeared poised to secure his services.

Esperance, meanwhile, have moved quickly to clarify the player’s status following the lifting of his sanction, confirming that his previous contract has been restored.

Belaili’s future has therefore taken another dramatic turn, with the Algerian international now set to remain at Esperance rather than make the anticipated return to the Algerian league.

The latest development brings an extraordinary U-turn to a transfer saga that had already generated significant interest across Tunisia and Algeria, although Belaili’s long-term future could remain a subject of attention as the new season progresses.