Tunisia Lodge an Appeal Over 2017 Afcon Ban Threat

Tunisia have filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) about a suspension threat from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has handed the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) until 31 March to apologise for insinuations of “bias” against the Carthage Eagles during an Afcon 2015 clash with hosts Equatorial Guinea or back their claims with genuine evidence.

Caf also banned FTF president Wadie Jery for publically criticising Caf and match official Seechurn Rajindrapasard following Tunisia’s ouster in the quarter-finals stage. The 2004 champions was fined US$50, 000 (£33,000) over the unruly conduct of its players at the end of their 2-1 defeat by Equatorial Guinea.

Tunisian Players Confronted Refree Seechurn Rajindrapasard Following their 2-1 Elimination fromAfcon 2015 at the Hands of Equatorial Guinea. Image: AFP.
Tunisian Players Confronted Refree Seechurn Rajindrapasard Following their 2-1 Elimination fromAfcon 2015 at the Hands of Equatorial Guinea. Image: AFP.

FTF had in a correspondence to Caf alleged the continental body and its officials were responsible for their elimination as a result of “questionable and biased” officiating.

Tunisian substitute players invaded the pitch, insulted and tried to engage referee Seechurn, after he awarded a controversial stoppage-time penalty to the Equatoguineans in Malabo.

Seechurn was given a six-month ban for his “poor performance.”