FIFA suspends Algeria’s Youcef Belaïli for one year over Ajaccio dispute

FIFA has suspended Youcef Belaïli for one year following a dispute involving his former club AC Ajaccio, according to reports.

The Algerian international, who currently plays for Espérance Sportive de Tunis, has also reportedly been fined 5,000 Swiss francs as part of the decision.

According to the media outlet Winwin, FIFA’s ruling relates to the alleged use of a document considered falsified during proceedings linked to a financial disagreement with the Corsican club.

The dispute traces back to the 2022–2023 season, when Belaïli joined Ajaccio from Stade Brestois 29. His spell in France’s top division was brief and marked by tensions between the player and the club’s management.

At the centre of the conflict was a financial disagreement related to bonuses and contractual commitments.

The situation later escalated when Ajaccio accused the Algerian international of submitting a questionable document as part of a case presented to international football authorities.

According to the claims made by the club, the document was allegedly used in an attempt to obtain a payment of around €380,000.

Ajaccio subsequently referred the matter to FIFA, arguing that the club had been the target of attempted fraud and requesting a full investigation into the situation.

Following several months of deliberation, the governing body reached its decision and imposed the one-year sporting sanction on the player. Belaïli was officially informed of the ruling on Thursday.

The player still has the possibility of challenging the decision by taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which handles appeals in global sporting disputes.

The sanction arrives at a particularly difficult moment for the Algerian international. Belaïli has recently been sidelined with a knee injury, limiting his playing time.

If the suspension remains in place, it could significantly affect his short-term sporting future.

It may also complicate his chances of quickly returning to the Algerian national team and pursuing his aim of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.