An unsettling incident unfolded as three individuals attempted to corrupt a football referee during last Saturday’s Plays Out matches. The gravity of the situation prompted the national arbitration department to swiftly respond, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to safeguarding referees and combating corruption within the sport.
Jouini Néji, the supervisor of the national arbitration department, disclosed on Wednesday the disturbing details surrounding the attempted bribery of a referee.
“Three people called a referee and offered him a bribe,” stated Néji, shedding light on the concerning episode that transpired during the matches.
The department, in alignment with its dedication to upholding the integrity of the sport, promptly escalated the matter, bringing it to the attention of the Attorney General.
In response to the attempted corruption, the Attorney General directed the El Gorjani research brigade to initiate a thorough investigation into the incident.
Néji Jouini emphasized the seriousness of the matter, highlighting that various pieces of evidence, including a recorded phone call, were being scrutinized to establish the truth and bring clarity to the situation.
In a proactive move to mitigate potential repercussions, Néji Jouini announced that the referee implicated in the alleged corruption attempt had been replaced.
The decision to make the change was aimed at preemptively addressing any further issues that might arise, underlining the commitment to maintaining the integrity and fairness of football in Tunisia.
As the investigations unfold, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges football faces globally in combating corruption and ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders involved.
