Tunisia: Former Carthage Eagles head coach caught in judicial storm

Africa 02 April 2026 at 15:06

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

The former head coach of Tunisia’s national football team, Sami Trabelsi, finds himself entangled in a complex legal battle. Convicted in absentia to two years in prison and fined over 500,000 dinars, the ex-international faces charges related to customs violations and illegal foreign currency transactions.

Sami Trabelsi is in serious trouble. He has been sentenced in absentia to two years behind bars and more than 500,000 dinars in fines for breaching customs regulations and committing irregularities involving currency and foreign exchange. According to the Tunisian daily Al Chourouk, the criminal chamber specializing in financial corruption cases handed down this penalty to Sami Trabelsi. The charges concern customs violations and offenses related to the exchange of money and foreign currencies.

“The court was unequivocal in its verdict, and the financial and criminal penalties reflect the severity of the infractions,” the newspaper stated.

The former head coach was not present at the hearing, which led to his conviction in absentia.

The former international at the center of the headlines

Sami Trabelsi, renowned for his tenure as Carthage Eagles coach and his international playing career, now sees his reputation tarnished by this affair. His conviction comes at a time when Tunisian football is under increased scrutiny for irregular financial practices both within the sport and beyond.

The prison sentence and hefty fine are intended as a stern warning against financial misconduct and are meant to deter any repeat offenses in the realm of illicit transactions and corruption.