Youcef Belaili fined by Esperance before decisive Al-Swehly return

Esperance sportive de Tunis have imposed a substantial fine on Algeria international Youcef Belaili after his dismissal in the 1-0 defeat by Al-Swehly SC in the first leg of their second qualifying round tie in the CAF Champions League 2026-2027.

The disciplinary action comes on the eve of the return match, with the Tunisian club required to overturn a deficit suffered in Misrata, Libya, if they are to continue their continental campaign.

Belaili was sent off in the second half after Al-Swehly were awarded a penalty. The forward strongly objected to the referee’s decision and was shown a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal.

Esperance have applied their internal regulations, which provide for a financial penalty when a player is sent off during a match. The club has therefore punished Belaili ahead of a game in which his absence will be keenly felt.

The 1-0 first-leg loss means Esperance must win by at least two goals in the return fixture to qualify directly for the next stage. Without Belaili, the club’s attacking players will have to find a way to overturn the result in front of their home supporters.

The Tunisian side are also challenging the circumstances of the red card. Esperance’s management are reported to have contacted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to contest the refereeing of Jean-Pierre Nguiene and request that Belaili’s dismissal be cancelled.

That appeal adds another issue to a tie already carrying significant importance for Esperance. The return match in Rades will determine whether the club progresses in the CAF Champions League 2026-2027.