CS Sfaxien has called for an official investigation following remarks made by former National Professional Football League (LNFP) president Mohamed Atallah, which have sparked controversy in Tunisian football.
Atallah’s comments, made during an appearance on El Hiwar Sport on El Hiwar El Tounsi television, have raised concerns over the integrity of certain league decisions.
One of his statements questioned the rationale behind stadium bans imposed on clubs for incidents involving projectile throwing.
“I do not understand why a club is being punished behind closed doors for throwing a bottle,” he said.
His remarks also touched on the handling of club claims, notably those of Espérance de Tunis and Étoile Sportive du Sahel.
Referring to the timing of verdict announcements, he stated: “We have postponed the announcement of our verdict on the claim of Espérance de Tunis so as not to ‘receive a slap in the face’ in relation to our verdict on the claim of ES Sahel against EGS Gafsa.”
In Tunisian dialect, the phrase “receive a slap” suggests embarrassment or being proven wrong by a decision.
His words appeared to suggest doubts about the legitimacy of the ruling in the ES Sahel case, prompting widespread reaction.
CS Sfaxien demands action
Reacting to Atallah’s statements, CS Sfaxien issued an official statement on Tuesday via its Facebook page, urging the Tunisian Football Federation to take responsibility and launch an investigation.
“Following the statements of Mr. Mohamed Atallah, the former president of the National Professional Football League, made during the El Hiwar Sport program broadcast on the El Hiwar El Tounsi channel, the Steering Committee of CS Sfaxien demands that the Tunisian Football Federation assume its responsibilities and open an investigation into the alleged affair,” the club declared.
The club also expressed discontent over a recent sanction that forced them to play behind closed doors due to projectiles being thrown during their Ligue 1 match against Espérance de Tunis on matchday 13.
The decision has been a source of frustration for Sfaxien, who view it as unjust.
Ongoing controversy in Tunisian football
Atallah’s comments and Sfaxien’s response have reignited debate over the transparency of league decisions, adding to the ongoing disputes that have overshadowed Tunisian football.
With a former LNFP president openly questioning certain rulings and a top-flight club calling for an inquiry, tensions continue to rise off the pitch.
For now, football in Tunisia remains embroiled in a battle of statements and official complaints, with no resolution in sight.
