The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has officially suspended all existing agreements with its suppliers as part of a sweeping initiative aimed at overhauling its management structure and aligning with international standards of governance.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, signals a decisive shift in the federation’s operational approach, prioritising transparency, accountability, and fair competition.
The FTF stated that the suspension is designed to pave the way for a more modern and efficient management system, one that is fully in step with both FIFA’s governance guidelines and Tunisia’s legal framework on public procurement.
In a brief but pointed statement, the Federation confirmed that all contracts and partnerships with suppliers will be reviewed or temporarily halted until a new system can be implemented.
This, according to officials, will ensure that all future engagements adhere to a stricter code of conduct rooted in ethical standards and competitive fairness.
The FTF’s move appears to reflect a broader strategy aimed at restructuring its internal operations, addressing longstanding concerns related to financial transparency and procurement processes.
The organisation has come under increasing pressure in recent years to modernise and professionalise its administrative systems, particularly amid scrutiny from both local watchdogs and international football authorities.
“This step is being taken to establish modern management practices based on the principles of good governance and transparency,” the Federation said in its official communication.
“It also aims to reinforce fair competition in accordance with FIFA’s recommendations and the legal standards that govern public procurement in Tunisia.”
While the Federation has not disclosed the specific agreements or companies affected, it is understood that the suspension applies across all categories of suppliers, including those involved in logistics, technical equipment, apparel, and event services. The FTF has also not provided a timeline for when these partnerships may resume or how the review process will unfold.
Analysts suggest the decision could have a significant short-term impact on the Federation’s day-to-day operations, especially in relation to upcoming fixtures and national team logistics.
However, it is also being viewed as a necessary recalibration to rebuild trust and improve institutional integrity.
The move has received cautious approval from some stakeholders within Tunisian football, including club administrators and civil society groups, who have long advocated for more transparency in how the FTF awards contracts and manages its budget. Some have expressed hope that the Federation’s latest initiative marks the beginning of a long-overdue cultural shift within the organisation.
Observers also note that FIFA has been increasingly vocal about the need for national football bodies to comply with high standards of corporate governance.
The international governing body has been particularly focused on procurement practices, urging federations to eliminate irregularities and ensure equitable treatment of all vendors.
By aligning itself more closely with these standards, the FTF is positioning itself to not only meet FIFA’s requirements but also to foster greater credibility among fans, stakeholders, and international partners.
As the Federation embarks on this significant restructuring, attention will now turn to how effectively it manages the transition and whether the reforms will bring lasting change to the management of football in Tunisia.
