Club Africain hits out at Tunisian refereeing and threatens legal escalation

Club Africain has opened a new front with the refereeing system, issuing a strong statement accusing the responsible parties of selective treatment towards clubs and the continuation of refereeing errors that it believes have negatively impacted its results and chances in the competition for the league title. The club is demanding urgent intervention from the Tunisian Football Federation and the National Refereeing Department.

The club's stance came after their goalless draw against Takdim Saqiyat al-Da'ir in the match that took place on Saturday evening at the Stade de la Méhari in Sfax, as part of the postponed seventh round of the Tunisian Professional League.

Club Africain confirmed in a statement issued today, Sunday, its dissatisfaction with refereeing decisions, especially those related to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, stating that its impact is no longer limited to the results of certain matches, but has extended to its journey in the competition and affected its chances of competing for the title.

Despite not specifying a particular refereeing incident from the match against Saqiet El-Dair, the club's management believes that what happened is an extension of previous errors for which they have lodged official protests, without noticing any change in the way these issues are handled.

Club Africain accuses the system of selectivity.

The club has reiterated its previous objections to refereeing decisions during its matches against Union Sportive de Ben Guerdane, Club Africain, and Stade Tunisien, pointing out that some mistakes, whether related to decisions affecting the results or to penalties and warnings, have harmed the team's interests and caused it to lose important points.

Club Africain's management expressed surprise at what it described as double standards in dealing with clubs, citing the statements and positions announced by Espérance Sportive de Tunis regarding refereeing appointments. They believe that such moves could place referees under prior pressure and affect the atmosphere surrounding match management.

The club reminded of the match officiated by an Austrian refereeing team that received high attention and follow-up, noting that the situation returned afterwards to what it described as previous practices, without achieving any tangible change within the refereeing system.

Club Africain's criticisms extended to some media outlets and sports programs, which it accused of straying from neutrality and objectivity, and exerting pressure that benefits specific parties.

There are urgent demands for the Tunisian Football Federation and the refereeing administration.

In its ongoing efforts, Club Africain has demanded official responses from the Tunisian Football Federation and the National Refereeing Administration regarding previous complaints, as well as a comprehensive technical and objective review of the refereeing cases that have raised its objections during recent matches.

A call has been made to announce the official list of referees who have passed the technical and physical tests and are qualified to officiate matches in the Ligue Professionnelle 1 during the 2026-2027 season, with clarification on the nature of these tests and their results, amid reports in the media regarding the suspension of some referees for failing to pass the required tests.

Club Africain emphasizes the need to provide necessary protection for referees and ensure their independence from any external pressures or influences. They affirmed that video technology should be a means to achieve justice and correct mistakes, not a tool whose usage varies depending on the identity of the benefiting or affected team.

The club emphasized that it does not seek exceptional treatment or special privileges, but insists on the principle of equal opportunities and the application of regulations to all clubs without discrimination. It pointed out that the independence of refereeing does not mean the absence of accountability or the refusal to provide clarifications regarding controversial decisions.

Club Africain concluded its statement by asserting that it will not accept the continuation of the current situation or the transformation of repeated refereeing errors into a usual matter that the team alone bears the sporting and disciplinary consequences, announcing its retention of the right to take all available legal and organizational measures to defend its interests.

The club has rejected the notion that winning the Tunisian league title last season justifies overlooking its rights this season or diminishing them. It emphasized its commitment to defending its interests, history, and fans, and its refusal to manage competition according to influence and pressure instead of law and sports justice.

Club Africain have ramped up their efforts ahead of the upcoming clash against their rivals Espérance Sportive de Tunis on November 22. This match holds significant importance for both teams, with anticipation surrounding the response from the Tunisian Football Federation and the National Arbitration Authority regarding the demands made by Club Africain's management.