Contract crisis threatens Youssef Belaili between Esperance Tunis and MC Algiers

The return of Algerian international Youssef Belaïli to the pitch has turned from an anticipated sporting event into a potential contractual crisis between Esperance Tunis and MC Algiers, after the Tunisian club announced the activation of the player's contract for an additional two seasons, extending his association with them until the summer of 2028. Meanwhile, the Algerian club confirmed that Belaïli signed an official contract with them based on a signed document.

Belaïli was linked with Esperance Tunis during his suspension, before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lifted the ban imposed on him due to his dispute with French club Ajaccio. Following the decision, Esperance Tunis announced the player's readiness to return, while MC Algiers maintained their claim, asserting that the agreement was not merely negotiations or a verbal understanding.

The crisis concerns the possibility of a player signing multiple contracts covering the same time period, a matter regulated by FIFA's rules under the principle of contractual stability. The regulations stipulate the need to examine the validity of each contract, the date of its signing, when it comes into effect, and whether the first contract remains in force when the second is signed.

Mohamed Metwally, a sports lawyer and legal advisor, explained in press reports that a player signing two contracts does not automatically constitute a violation. He pointed out that FIFA resolves these issues based on documents and evidence, not just on the precedence of announcement. If both contracts meet the conditions, the priority goes to the contract signed first, while also needing to investigate whether the new club informed the player's current club before negotiations began.

It is not enough to identify the club with which Belaili first signed to resolve the dispute, as it is necessary to differentiate between the date of signing the contract and the date it comes into effect. One of the contracts may be future-dated, which does not necessarily mean that there are two active contracts at the same time. Therefore, the case will depend on the details of the contracts, their terms, and their durations.

If a player is found to have breached their contract without just cause during the protected period, they may face a suspension of up to 4 months, which could extend to 6 months under aggravated circumstances, along with financial compensation. Additionally, the new club may face a ban on registering new players for two transfer windows if it is proven that they incited the termination of the contract.

Thus, the crisis surrounding Belaïli has escalated from a mere anticipated return to the pitch to a potential contractual dispute, which will only be resolved after reviewing contracts and documents to determine which one holds legal priority according to FIFA regulations.