Espérance de Tunis Denies Khaled Ben Yahia Dismissal Amid Coaching Rumours
By BBC News Staff
Tunisian giants Espérance de Tunis have firmly denied reports suggesting the dismissal of head coach Khaled Ben Yahia, following a 1–1 draw away to Espérance Sportive de Zarzis — a result that some claimed had triggered his sacking.
The rumours gained traction after Tunisia’s national radio announced that Ben Yahia had been relieved of his duties. But within hours, the club issued an official statement rejecting the claims as unfounded.
“Following the draw against Espérance Sportive de Zarzis, rumours were spread by ‘sites’ and on the social media pages of prestigious institutions, reporting the dismissal of our coach Khaled Ben Yahia,” the club posted on its official website. “This is, as you can imagine, a rumour. Khaled Ben Yahia remains in his position — especially since the team showed, despite the pitiful state of the pitch, that it is on the right track. Enough fanciful rumours!”
Ben Yahia, a former player and long-time servant of the club, has faced mounting pressure in recent weeks following a string of inconsistent performances. However, club leadership appears intent on offering him continued support, pointing to the team’s resilience and progress in difficult conditions.
The denial may temporarily ease speculation, but the pressure remains. With Espérance expected to contend for domestic and continental titles every season, public scrutiny of coaching decisions is a constant — especially when results fall short of expectations.
As the league campaign continues, all eyes will be on the next few fixtures to see whether the club’s show of support translates into on-pitch success — or merely delays a decision that some believe is inevitable.
