Algeria: one-year ban for Youcef Belaïli

Africa 06 March 2026 at 06:35

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

A potential bombshell in the Youcef Belaïli case. According to information from the Winwin website, FIFA has reportedly decided to hand the Algerian international a one-year suspension following a legal dispute with his former club AC Ajaccio. The world football governing body is said to have reviewed the complaint filed by the Corsican side before delivering an initial verdict.

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The French club accused the Espérance de Tunis winger of irregularities related to certain documents during his transfer. After an investigation, FIFA ultimately ruled to impose a suspension barring Belaïli from participating in any official competition for twelve months, whether with his current club or another team.

This decision has sent shockwaves through Tunis and Belaïli's camp. Both Espérance and Belaïli are now considering appealing the sanction before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If upheld, the Algerian forward could also see his hopes of participating in the 2026 World Cup dashed.

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