Twelve clubs in Tunisia have been prohibited from engaging in player recruitment activities, following a series of unresolved disputes currently under FIFA’s jurisdiction.
On Tuesday, Olympique de Béja became the latest side to be sanctioned, joining an expanding list of domestic teams now blocked from entering the transfer market.
According to the global football governing body, there are currently 16 active cases linked to these Tunisian clubs.
The affected clubs and their number of disputes are as follows: EGS Gafsa (three cases), CS Chebba (three cases), Stade Tunisien (one case), ES Métlaoui (one case), Club Athlétique Bizertin (one case), Club Africain (one case), US Tataouine (one case), AS Soliman (one case), US Monastirienne (one case), Étoile du Sahel (one case), US Ben Guerdane (one case), and Olympique de Béja (one case).
FIFA’s ruling means none of these clubs will be permitted to register new players until their respective disputes are resolved.
The cases typically involve contractual disagreements, unpaid salaries, or transfer-related issues—common sources of conflict in professional football that fall under FIFA’s disciplinary purview.
The bans arrive at a time when many of these teams are preparing for crucial stages of their domestic campaigns, and the inability to reinforce squads could carry significant consequences for their competitive prospects.
For instance, established clubs such as Club Africain and Étoile du Sahel, both with strong domestic and continental pedigrees, will be particularly impacted if their cases are not promptly addressed.
A regional comparison highlights the growing severity of the issue in Tunisia.
Within the North African Football Union (UNAF) zone, Morocco currently leads with 24 active FIFA disputes, followed by Libya with 16.
Egypt and Algeria fare better, with eight and two cases respectively.
FIFA has remained firm in its stance, reiterating that recruitment bans will only be lifted once all outstanding issues are resolved.
This means the burden now lies with the Tunisian clubs to find swift resolutions—whether through settlements, compliance with FIFA rulings, or by appealing through the appropriate legal channels.
Until then, Tunisia’s footballing landscape remains marred by administrative hurdles that continue to limit growth and stability, even as its teams strive for success on the pitch.
