February 20 – The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the sanctions imposed by African Football Confederation (CAF) after their dramatic and emotional exit from the Africa Cup of Nations last month. The country faces exclusion from the 2017 championships unless it complies to CAF’s demands.
Tunisia were knocked out the competition in the quarter final by hosts Equatorial Guinea after a number of refereeing decisions went against them. Chaotic scenes at the end of the game and accusations of cheating by the Tunisians (the referee was subsequently banned for six months from officiating) fell on deaf ears at CAF who aggressively sanctioned Tunisia for their behaviour.
The federation was fined $50,000 and ordered to send an apology to CAF, while FTF President, Wadie Jary, was suspended.
Tunisia have refused to apologise for their allegations of cheating and CAF gave them until March 31 to adhere to the CAF sanctions or they would be disqualified from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
CAF is having a problem with its North African federations, having also disqualified Morocco for two editions of the confederations senior competition. Morocco handed in their appeal against the decision to CAS earlier this week.
Tunisia’s main concern is being excluded from the 2017 competition but at the same feel aggrieved at the way they were kicked out the competition and the subsequent disciplinary procedures and threats. The Tunisians are reluctant to step back, especially with regard to the apology CAF is demanding.
The FTF’s statement of appeal to CAS is accompanied by a request for a stay on the deadline set by CAF. CAS has set up an arbitration procedure in accordance with the Code of Sports-related Arbitration.
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