Tunisia to Decide on CAF Apology Amid Threat of 2017 CAN Exclusion
The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) is expected to meet this Wednesday to finalize its response to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the severe sanctions imposed after the controversial quarter-final match against Equatorial Guinea at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
According to reports, the FTF will discuss the extent to which it can comply with CAF’s demand for a formal apology. A public statement is expected from the federation following the meeting, just hours before the CAF-imposed deadline of February 5 at midnight.
CAF fined Tunisia $50,000 for what it described as the “insolent, aggressive, and unacceptable behavior” of its players and officials, who reacted furiously to what many observers labeled scandalous refereeing decisions—particularly the dubious penalty that led to Equatorial Guinea’s equalizer.
In addition to the fine, CAF demands a written apology from Tunisia for accusations of bias and corruption. Failing that, the federation must present concrete evidence to support its claims. Non-compliance could result in Tunisia’s exclusion from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, a threat that has escalated the tension between the FTF and the African football governing body.
All eyes are now on Tunis, where the federation’s next move could have lasting consequences for the future of Tunisian football on the continental stage.
