Mortada Ben Ounis, the Kasimpasa player, discloses the motive behind participating in his team’s match despite his exclusion from the Tunisian squad due to his daughter’s illness.
Despite being omitted from Tunisia’s lineup for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations due to his daughter’s illness, Mortada Ben Ounis chose to play in his club’s match against Besiktas.
The Tunisian left-back posted a statement on his Facebook account, stating:
“After understanding my personal situation by the technical staff of our national team and the Tunisian Football Federation, and the necessity of being in Istanbul to take care of my critically ill daughter, I had to make a tough choice.
It was a dilemma between representing my nation in the Africa Cup of Nations and being there for my precious daughter, between the dream of carrying the national flag and a child struggling with a severe health crisis.
After lengthy contemplation and consultation with several trustworthy individuals, I concluded that I would not be mentally and emotionally prepared for the task.
I would remain distracted and mentally disoriented while being away from my daughter.
This would be an injustice to my country and the national team, a responsibility I could not accept.
I informed the coaching staff, and it was decided to replace me with my teammate Saifeddine Al Jaziri.
Upon my return to Turkey, my daughter’s condition improved after three days of intensive care. The club management requested my participation in a crucial match.
Initially, I declined, but due to their persistent requests and their continuous presence at the clinic to check on my daughter, I reluctantly agreed.
I want to remind everyone that I have never shied away from the call of duty.
I previously played matches while my mother, may she rest in peace, was battling cancer in its final stages.
How could I now avoid my first participation with our national team in the AFCON?
Once again, I thank everyone for their concern and understanding of my situation and my daughter’s.
I accept criticism as long as it remains within the bounds of respect.
No one should question my patriotism; Tunisia unites us all.”
The Tunisian Football Federation issued a statement expressing its disapproval of Ben Ounis’ participation with Kasimpasa and announced that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against him.
The Tunisian national team is in Group A alongside Mali, South Africa, and Namibia. The Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, featuring 24 participating teams in its third edition after 2019 and 2021.
