In a move that puts an end to the ongoing debate over the past weeks, Esperance de Tunis announced today the definitive closure of the file regarding the renewal of Algerian star Mohamed Youcef Belaili's contract, following the failure of all attempts to reach a new contract despite previous agreements between the two parties.


The club stated in an official announcement that it had reached a preliminary agreement with the player on June 5 to extend his contract for an additional two seasons. It emphasized its commitment to this agreement based on its belief in the player's technical value and its desire to maintain team stability. The club also fulfilled all its financial, administrative, and legal obligations, presenting a financial offer that preserves the player's previous salary while ensuring the payment of his dues, in addition to supporting him in his case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.


Esperance Tunis indicated that it had set several dates for medical examinations and to finalize the contract signing, before agreeing on July 21, then extending the deadline to July 23 as the final date. However, the player and his agent did not attend either appointment, prompting the club's management to make a final decision to close the file.


Esperance Sportive de Tunis stated:


"In order to keep our loyal fans updated on the status of player Mohamed Youcef Belaïli, the management of Esperance Sportive de Tunis informs that, after exhausting all negotiation stages and the expiration of all deadlines agreed upon by the various parties, it has been decided to close the contract renewal file definitively.


The management of Esperance Sportive de Tunis reminds that on June 5, 2026, a preliminary agreement was reached between the club president Mr. Hamdi Meddeb, vice president Mr. Chokri Waari, and player Mohamed Youcef Belaïli, to renew his contract for an additional two years, as part of the club's commitment to maintaining the core of the team and ensuring its technical stability.


Since that date, the management of Esperance Sportive de Tunis has adhered to this agreement, driven by their belief in the player's technical value and their desire to retain one of the team's key players. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain one of the ten available spots on the transfer list, ensuring proper planning for the upcoming sports season and providing the coaching staff with the best possible options.


In this context, the management of Esperance Sportive de Tunis has fulfilled all its commitments and ethical obligations towards the player, working to address various financial, administrative, and legal aspects. They presented him with a respectable financial offer that reflects his status within the club, maintaining his previous salary level without any reduction, in addition to settling his previous dues, clearly demonstrating their confidence in his technical abilities and their sincere desire for him to continue with the team.


Esperance Tunis has provided the player with all the documents and information held by the club, which could strengthen his case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the sanction imposed on him by FIFA.


The management of Esperance Sportive de Tunis has, on several occasions, provided open dates for the player to undergo the necessary medical examinations to assess his readiness for matches, in addition to completing the procedures for signing the renewal contract.


After overcoming the disagreements that arose during the negotiation process, a new agreement has been reached to complete the contract renewal procedures on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. However, the player did not attend the agreed-upon date.


Following this, it was agreed once again to set Thursday, July 23, as the final deadline for medical examinations and signing a two-year contract renewal. However, this date also passed without the player and his agent attending and without completing the contracting procedures.


Following the above, and after the management of Esperance Sportive de Tunis fulfilled all its ethical, sporting, financial, administrative, and legal commitments towards the player, it has been decided to close the case regarding the contract renewal of Mohamed Youcef Belaili definitively.


The management of Esperance Sportive de Tunis wishes Mohamed Youcef Belaili all the best and success in the remainder of his sporting career. They reaffirm to their loyal fans that the interests of Esperance Tunis, the club's dignity, and respect for its commitments will always take precedence over all other considerations. Maintaining the stability of the team and the credibility of the institution are fundamental principles that cannot be compromised.


The management of Esperance Tunis has informed its fans that it has begun exploring other options in the transfer market, in line with the technical staff's vision, ensuring the team is reinforced with players capable of contributing and achieving the goals of Esperance Tunis in the upcoming sports season.