Nidhal Beltaief has been named as the referee for Thursday’s highly anticipated Ligue 1 derby between Club Africain and Étoile Sportive du Sahel.
The match, part of the 17th round of the Tunisian top flight, will kick off at 14:00 local time at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades.
Beltaief will be assisted by Jamel Dorai and Mohamed Trabelsi, while Majdi Bellagha and Yassine Saadaoui have been appointed as the VAR officials.
Both teams arrive in strong form, with Club Africain eager to maintain their position near the top of the league table, while Étoile du Sahel seeks to challenge for supremacy in one of Tunisia’s most fiercely contested fixtures.
The rivalry between the two sides adds intensity to the encounter, making the referee’s role crucial in ensuring fair play.
The National Arbitration Directorate emphasized the importance of a neutral and experienced official for the match, citing the high stakes and historical tension that accompanies this fixture.
Nidhal Beltaief’s experience in Tunisian football, coupled with his previous high-profile appointments, makes him a trusted choice for overseeing the derby.
Fans are expected to fill the stands at the Hamadi Agrebi Stadium, adding to the electric atmosphere.
VAR officials Bellagha and Saadaoui will assist in reviewing key decisions, providing an additional layer of oversight in a match likely to feature heated moments and passionate displays.
Both teams will be looking to assert dominance early, with every decision under scrutiny.
The appointment of Beltaief and his team is intended to ensure the match is played competitively yet fairly, reflecting the league’s commitment to officiating standards in one of Tunisia’s most watched derbies.
