Tunisia May Finally Apologize to CAF to Avoid AFCON 2017 Ban
After weeks of tension with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) appears ready to change its stance and issue an official apology. This comes in response to CAF’s demand for an apology following Tunisia’s reaction to its controversial elimination in the quarter-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost to hosts Equatorial Guinea amid heavy refereeing criticism.
Initially defiant, the FTF had refused to apologize, prompting CAF, under President Issa Hayatou, to threaten Tunisia with exclusion from the 2017 AFCON. However, mounting pressure and fear of serious sporting consequences have apparently led to a shift in approach.
🔁 Turning Point After Internal Consultations
According to sources close to the matter, the FTF’s change of heart came after a series of meetings with the Tunisian Ministry of Sports and legal advisors. The consensus now seems to be that sending a letter of apology is the only viable path to safeguard Tunisia’s participation in future CAF competitions.
⏳ Deadline Approaching
CAF has given Tunisia until March 31 to submit the official apology. Failing to do so could lead to a suspension from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which would be a major blow to Tunisian football.
The next few days will be crucial in determining whether the FTF can mend its relationship with CAF and ensure the Carthage Eagles’ presence on the continental stage moving forward.
