Crisis of statements brings Nabil Kouki closer to leaving Sfax

The management of Sfaxien is moving towards ending its contract with coach Nabil Kouki by mutual consent, following the controversial statements he made after the team's loss to Takaddoum Saqiyat al-Daïr in the Tunisian league.

A source close to the club revealed in statements to "Erem News" today, Sunday, that the management of Sfaxien is preparing to issue an official statement announcing the termination of the contractual relationship with Al-Kouki, following the crisis sparked by his recent statements which ignited widespread controversy in Tunisian sports circles.

The crisis erupted after Sfaxien lost to Takaddoum Saqiyat al-Dayr by a goal to nil on Saturday evening, in the context of the fifth round of the Tunisian league, after Kouki directed accusations at several coaches, sporting directors, and media personnel working in sports programs.

The coach of Sfaxien has accused certain parties of paying money to attack him in the media and spreading false news about the team's declining results, aiming to pressure him to leave or to push the club's management to sack him.

Al-Kouki said: "There are those who pay money to attack me and promote false news about a results crisis. The coach pays money, the sporting director pays money, and journalists who appear on sports programs receive money to promote news and serve their narrow interests."

He added that he is aware of what is happening behind the scenes, considering that what is happening has crossed acceptable boundaries, and pointing out that he has been subjected to media campaigns for some time.

In discussing the criticism directed at the team, Al-Kouki expressed his astonishment at its severity, explaining that Sfaxien was close to the top of the league before facing Takdim Saqiyat al-Da'ir, and that they were not occupying low positions that would justify, in his view, the extent of the criticism directed at them.

The coach highlighted the team's results since the start of the season, noting they collected 8 points out of a possible 12 before the recent defeat, compared to only 4 points during the same period last season. Additionally, he succeeded in reaching the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026-2027 season.

Al-Hedod SC's coach has sparked widespread reactions following his statements, with calls for him to be questioned about the accusations he made. Tunisian reports have indicated the possibility of him being summoned to provide his account regarding what he mentioned.

These developments come amid increasing pressure on the coaching staff, following Al-Safaqsi's loss to Takaddum Saqiyat al-Da'ir 1-0 in the fifth round of the Tunisian league.

The team's tally stands at 8 points after two wins, two draws, and one defeat, dropping them to sixth place in the standings, amid anticipation regarding the management's stance on the coach's future in the upcoming period.