DistantNews
Support us
🇹🇳 Tunisia /Sports

EST secures Ribeiro transfer amid Blaili controversy

From La Presse · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • EST secured the transfer of Brazilian player Ribeiro after a lengthy and costly process, despite his inactivity last season.
  • The club also announced the qualification of player Blaili, but this is complicated by an ongoing legal dispute with MC Alger and a pending decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
  • Despite initial criticism, EST's management, led by Chokri El Ouaer, completed an expensive but substantial transfer window, bringing in new players while losing over a dozen cadres.

Esperance Sportive de Tunis (EST) has finally secured the transfer of Brazilian player Ribeiro, a move that was complicated and costly but ultimately successful. The club managed to finalize the deal, which involved a significant financial outlay and the inclusion of two players, Diarra and Ben Slimène, from Ittihad Tripoli. Ribeiro himself was reportedly firm about joining EST, despite having legal disputes with his former Libyan club. The transfer fee is considered exorbitant, especially given Ribeiro's lack of activity last season, though he is expected to bring valuable experience and quality to the team, potentially becoming a key playmaker.

Better late than never, as the Ribeiro file proves for EST.

— La PresseReporting on the protracted transfer of player Ribeiro.

Adding to the club's complexities, EST also announced the qualification of Algerian player Blaili. However, this announcement is overshadowed by a new controversy. The club's legal committee president clarified that Blaili has not been fully exonerated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). The TAS has merely suspended the execution of a one-year ban, allowing him to play for now, but a final decision is pending. This situation creates a potential legal battle with MC Alger, who claim to have a written contract with Blaili and intend to defend their rights. Blaili may have signed contracts with two clubs, risking sanctions.

The amount of the transaction is so exorbitant for EST who, thanks to the sales of Tougai and Diakité, was able to cover the costs.

— La PresseDiscussing the financial implications of Ribeiro's transfer.

Despite these player-related issues, EST's management, under Chokri El Ouaer, has overseen a busy and expensive transfer window. Initial criticism of perceived delays and concessions has given way to a sense of accomplishment as the club has managed to bring in around ten new players while more than twelve key players and reserves have departed. The total cost of the transfer window could reach $5 million, indicating a significant overhaul of the squad.

Blaili is not innocent by TAS, which has not yet ruled on the matter.

— Kamel LaaroussiClarifying the legal status of player Blaili.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog