Tunisia Accuses Racing Club de Lens of Blocking Yoan Touzghar’s Africa Cup of Nations Participation
Tensions are rising between Tunisia and Racing Club de Lens as the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) accuses the French club of preventing Yoan Touzghar from joining the national team for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite being pre-selected for the tournament, Touzghar, a striker for Lens, was never able to report to the Carthage Eagles’ camp and was ultimately excluded from the 23-man squad.
Tunisia’s frustration is palpable, with coach Georges Leekens expressing his dissatisfaction publicly. “Touzghar is under a lot of pressure not to come,” Leekens said, indicating that there were external influences affecting the player’s decision. Reports have also surfaced suggesting that Antoine Kombouaré, the coach of Racing Club de Lens, may have played a role in discouraging the player from joining the national team. However, Kombouaré has denied these claims, stating, “Who are we to stop a player from defending his country’s colors at the CAN? I’ve given him time to sort out his problems with the national team. If he goes, we’ll support him.”
The FTF, not satisfied with the situation, has announced plans to take the matter to FIFA. They are seeking to have both the player and the club held accountable for the alleged interference in the player’s international duties.
The controversy surrounding Touzghar’s absence has caused significant unrest, with Tunisia determined to press forward with disciplinary actions against the club. Whether FIFA will intervene and impose any penalties remains to be seen, but this dispute has certainly cast a shadow over both the club and national team.
