AFCON 2015: CAF Suspends Tunisian FA President Wadie Jary Over Corruption Allegations
By BBC Sport Africa
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has escalated its disciplinary crackdown by suspending Wadie Jary, President of the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF), from all CAF-related activities with immediate effect. The decision, announced on CAF’s official website, is the latest chapter in the escalating fallout from Tunisia’s controversial quarter-final exit at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Jary’s suspension follows strong accusations he levelled against CAF, alleging bias and a deliberate attempt to undermine Tunisia’s national team. CAF’s disciplinary committee has now given the FTF president a clear ultimatum: submit a formal letter of apology or provide “irrefutable and tangible evidence” to support his claims.
A Bitter Exit and a Bold Protest
Tunisia’s quarter-final clash with host nation Equatorial Guinea was marred by controversy, particularly a highly disputed penalty awarded to the hosts in stoppage time, which allowed them to equalise and later win in extra time. The match, played in Bata, sparked outrage in the Tunisian camp, who described the officiating as scandalous and damaging to the integrity of African football.
In protest, Jary resigned from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Organising Committee, a position he had held since May 2013. Sources close to the Tunisian FA stated that his resignation was a deliberate act to express dissatisfaction with what they saw as a blatant injustice.
CAF Draws the Line
CAF’s swift move to suspend Jary signals a zero-tolerance stance towards public accusations without evidence. The disciplinary body emphasized that unless Jary retracts or substantiates his claims, the suspension will stand.
This action comes just days after CAF warned Tunisia of possible exclusion from future tournaments if they refused to apologise for the federation’s official statements and behaviour following the loss.
A Tournament Overshadowed
What was meant to be a celebration of African football has been clouded by controversy and unrest. From the violence during the Ghana–Equatorial Guinea semi-final to Tunisia’s standoff with CAF, the 2015 edition of AFCON has faced intense scrutiny.
As the competition nears its conclusion, with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire set to meet in Sunday’s final, CAF finds itself balancing disciplinary firmness with the need to maintain credibility and cohesion across its member federations.
