The Tunisian Referees Association has strongly condemned Algerian referee supervisor Djamel Haimoudi following his recent public criticism of Tunisian match officials.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association criticized Haimoudi, who oversees refereeing at the Tunisian Football Federation, for his remarks on Sport E on Jawhara FM, particularly his comments about referees Haythem Kessasi and Seif Wartani.
“We express surprise at the statements made by the General Supervisor of Refereeing,” the statement read.
“Dealing with referees’ mistakes should be handled internally through evaluation and follow-up, without public shaming or descriptions that undermine the dignity of the referee as a human being before being a match official.”
The association also raised broader concerns about the state of refereeing in Tunisia, describing the sector as “exhausted and in need of complete rebuilding” due to years of mismanagement and unfulfilled promises.
It acknowledged growing frustration within the football community but urged all parties to work towards constructive solutions rather than targeting referees with unfair criticism.
Referees were encouraged to stand together against what the association described as a “fierce attack” on the profession.
Additionally, the statement called on the Tunisian Football Federation to fulfill its financial obligations to referees and observers and to invest in a long-term development program.
The association further appealed to fans and stakeholders to recognize the “dire reality” of refereeing in Tunisia and support efforts to implement sustainable reforms.
It also announced plans to launch an initiative aimed at restoring trust and easing tensions within the sport.
