Espérance Sportive de Tunis has formally requested the appointment of European referees for their upcoming derby clash against arch-rivals Club Africain, scheduled for this Sunday as part of Matchday 27 in the Tunisian Ligue 1.
The club submitted its appeal to the National Directorate of Arbitration, expressing a firm demand for foreign officiating teams both on the pitch and in the video assistant referee (VAR) booth.
The request reflects Espérance’s strong desire for what it described as “neutral and unbiased officiating” in one of the most decisive fixtures of the season.
In a move that has sparked debate among Tunisian football circles, Espérance made it explicitly clear that it will not accept the appointment of referees from Arab nations for this high-stakes encounter.
The club has urged the Tunisian football authorities to approach referee selection with heightened scrutiny, particularly given the competitive nature of the championship race as the season approaches its final stretch.
“Espérance de Tunis reiterates the importance of transparency and fairness in refereeing, especially in crucial fixtures involving clubs battling for the title,” the club said in its statement.
The request underscores the intensity and significance of the derby, which consistently draws attention both for its fierce rivalry and for its potential implications in the title race.
As both clubs remain in contention for the Ligue 1 crown, any perceived officiating error could become a flashpoint in an already heated football atmosphere.
Club Africain will play host to the match at their home ground, and while preparations on the sporting front continue, attention has shifted to the officials who will be tasked with overseeing the fixture.
The Directorate of Arbitration has yet to publicly respond to Espérance’s request, but any decision to appoint European referees would be a rare occurrence in domestic Tunisian football.
This weekend’s derby will not only be a battle for three points but also a test of nerves, discipline, and trust in the fairness of the game.
All eyes will now be on the officials selected, as well as the performance of both teams in what promises to be a fiercely contested showdown in the capital.
