FIFA has imposed a second transfer ban on Olympique de Béja, escalating the club’s legal troubles and placing it among a growing list of Tunisian teams facing disciplinary measures from football’s global governing body.
The latest ruling comes after a second case involving the club was brought before FIFA, leading to another recruitment suspension.
Olympique de Béja is now prohibited from registering new players until both disputes are resolved, compounding pressure on the club’s administrative leadership.
The sanctions reflect a wider crisis within Tunisian football, where a total of 12 clubs are currently under similar recruitment bans due to unresolved legal disputes.
According to the latest figures, there are 17 active cases affecting clubs across the country, pointing to a systemic issue of contractual and financial mismanagement.
Among the most affected are EGS Gafsa and CS Chebba, each dealing with three separate cases.
Olympique de Béja now follows closely behind with two.
Other clubs facing individual bans include Stade Tunisien, ES Metlaoui, Club Athlétique Bizertin, Club Africain, US Tataouine, AS Soliman, US Monastir, Etoile du Sahel, and US Ben Guerdane.
Until these cases are settled and the corresponding financial or legal obligations are met, all 12 clubs remain ineligible to sign new players.
This development poses significant challenges, particularly with the transfer window on the horizon and competitive seasons nearing critical stages.
The accumulation of disputes and ensuing FIFA sanctions has brought renewed scrutiny on the governance practices within Tunisian football.
Many observers have pointed to longstanding issues of contract enforcement, financial instability, and lack of oversight as contributing factors behind the growing number of disputes reaching FIFA’s disciplinary channels.
For Olympique de Béja, the second ban not only hinders squad planning but also signals deeper structural concerns within the club.
Unless resolved swiftly, the inability to reinforce the squad could have long-term ramifications both on and off the pitch.
FIFA’s disciplinary measures are a clear signal to clubs worldwide that compliance with international football regulations—particularly in matters relating to contracts and player rights—remains non-negotiable.
Tunisian clubs now face a crucial test: resolve their disputes or remain sidelined in the transfer market.
