Tunis, Tunisia – FIFA has suspended Algerian player Youcef Belaïli, who plays for Tunisian club Espérance, from all football activities for one year. The decision stems from a legal dispute with his former club, French club Ajaccio.
According to Tunisian radio station Mosaique FM, citing Algerian sources, the penalty was issued on the evening of Thursday, March 5, 2026. This came after a complaint filed by the French club regarding a case related to the termination of the player’s contract during the 2022-2023 season.
The crisis stems from Belaili’s demand for outstanding payments and financial compensation following the termination of his contract with Ajaccio. The player submitted documents to support his claim. In response, the French club filed a complaint with FIFA, asserting – according to its legal team – that the documents submitted by the player were forged.
These developments come ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Al Ahly and Esperance of Tunisia in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the African Champions League.
The first leg is scheduled to take place in Tunisia on March 13th, with the return leg to be played in Cairo on March 21st.
Belaili is one of the most prominent players for Esperance and the Algerian national team. He is currently undergoing a rehabilitation program to recover from a torn cruciate ligament he suffered at the end of last year.
