Algerian Star Youcef Belaïli Faces 1-Year Ban Amid Legal Dispute with Ajaccio

Tunisian media reports have revealed that Algerian international Youcef Belaïli, a player for Tunisian club Espérance Sportive de Tunis, could face a suspension from football for up to one year due to a legal dispute with his former French club AC Ajaccio.

According to the Tunisian radio station Diwan FM, the case dates back to Belaïli’s time with Ajaccio during the 2022–2023 season, when a disagreement arose between the player and the French club over the termination of his contract.

Reports indicate that Belaïli demanded financial dues and compensation following the termination of his deal with Ajaccio. 

The player reportedly submitted documents he considered proof of his right to the requested payments.

However, the French club escalated the matter to FIFA, submitting a legal file in which the club’s lawyers claimed that some of the documents presented by the player may have been forged.

If the allegations are confirmed by FIFA, Belaïli could face a one-year suspension from football, a punishment that could significantly impact his career. The dispute dates back to the period before his transfer to MC Alger, after which he later returned to Espérance.

Meanwhile, the draw for the 2026 CAF Champions League quarter-finals, held at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association, has paired Al Ahly with Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

The winner of the match between Al Ahly and Espérance will advance to face the winner of the clash between Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Stade Malien in the semi-finals.

Espérance are set to host Al Ahly in the first leg of the quarter-final on Sunday, March 15, at Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, in a highly anticipated encounter between two of Africa’s biggest clubs.

Al Ahly finished the group stage at the top of Group B, and the quarter-final draw has generated strong interest among fans, given the strength of the remaining teams and Al Ahly’s ambition to continue their run toward another continental title to extend their record number of African championships.