Belaïli affair – Ajaccio: FIFA makes first major decision!

The long-running saga between AC Ajaccio and Youcef Belaïli has finally reached a turning point, and it's a favorable one for the Corsican club. FIFA has officially suspended the sanction that prevented ACA from taking part in official competitions, giving the embattled institution a much-needed breath of fresh air. “It is with immense joy and deep relief that we announce this decision,” the club said in a statement. The players’ licenses, previously blocked, have now been reactivated, allowing Ajaccio to kick off their 2025-2026 season this Sunday in Bonifacio.

A legal battle far from over

This development marks a significant victory for ACA in a complex affair involving forged documents and financial claims. The club, which was ordered in July to pay €380,000 to Belaïli—whom it accuses of fraud—had appealed to the authorities to assert its rights. FIFA’s suspension of the sanction now bolsters Ajaccio’s resolve to go all the way to fully clear its name. Relegated to Régional 2, Ajaccio is now determined to turn the page and focus on the pitch. “ACA is alive. Now it’s time for football,” the statement concluded, a symbol of a resilient club determined to rebuild despite the storm.

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Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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