The Press — We Agree That Our Referees Are Not Up to Par
We concur that the level of our referees is not satisfactory, and the criticism they face is somewhat justified. However, some of them have managed to make a name for themselves in Africa, such as Sadok Selmi (before being removed from the international list) and Mehrez Melki. They have officiated several matches in African club and national team competitions. So, why were no Tunisian referees selected for the Arab Nations Cup, sponsored by FIFA? This is not the first time they have been overlooked for a major football event. The FIFA Referees Committee was strict in allocating quotas to each affiliated instance. Asia was the most represented, as expected. In Africa, only Egypt, Gabon, and Algeria (VAR) were selected, with Amine Omar and Pierre Atcho chosen.
It's worth noting that the same two countries are represented in the quota for assistant referees. This gives you an idea of the lobbying that takes place at this level. Our leaders are also absent and have no influence within FIFA. They are content to sit on committees just for show, nothing more. As for the referees, this repeated absence is sad and puts the credibility and future of this struggling sector at risk. To some extent, our referees are responsible for this drama they are experiencing. They are fragile, calculating, with a few exceptions, and lack personality in high-stakes matches. Some of them serve powerful clubs and their leaders without any scruples. And when they are sanctioned, it's often half-heartedly, only to resurface later.
It's no surprise that CAF and FIFA, who are aware of everything, ignore our referees in major events. Even if it's sometimes exaggerated, it's an undeniable reality: Tunisian referees are not up to par. It's urgent that we think about rehabilitating them on the continental and international stage.
Key Points:
- No Tunisian referees were selected for the Arab Nations Cup
- The FIFA Referees Committee was strict in allocating quotas to each affiliated instance
- Asia was the most represented, with Egypt, Gabon, and Algeria (VAR) selected from Africa
- Tunisian referees lack personality in high-stakes matches and are often influenced by powerful clubs
- It's urgent that Tunisian referees are rehabilitated on the continental and international stage to restore credibility and ensure a better future for the sector.
