The soccer world is abuzz with the latest scandal to hit the headlines. This time, it’s coming from the shores of Tunisia. Wadie Jary, the president of the Tunisian Football Organization (FTF), has been arrested, placing a spotlight on the world of sports governance and the thin line between leadership and impropriety.
The Arrest
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Tunisia made the significant announcement earlier this week. The arrest occurred following a judicial complaint lodged by the Ministry. They have raised concerns over the legitimacy of a contract signed between the FTF and a technical director. Chokri Hamda, a spokesperson for the Ministry, informed local media about the incident, hinting at “financial corruption within the Organization.”
It’s not the first time Jary’s name has been associated with controversies. While his lawyer remains unavailable for comments, the details surrounding this arrest only add to the list of allegations faced by the FTF president.
A Controversial Tenure
Elected as the FTF president in 2012, Jary’s tenure has been marked with several investigations into match-fixing, money laundering, misappropriation, and corruption. The president, a former soccer player and coach, has consistently countered these allegations with arguments.
The animosity isn’t restricted to legal circles. Local reports indicate a brewing tension between Mr. Jary and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Kamel Deguiche.
The CS Chebba Controversy
The autumn of 2020 witnessed a fiery dispute between Jary and Taoufik Mkacher, the president of the Croissant Sportif de Chebba (CS Chebba) club. The club, hailing from the east-central region of Tunisia, faced suspension by the FTF. The official reasons cited were the need for payment of fines and submission of administrative documents.
However, Mr. Mkacher publicly denounced this decision as a gross “injustice.” The decision had widespread repercussions. A town with a population of just 22,000 residents witnessed an unprecedented general strike and protests for over ten days.
The FTF’s crackdown didn’t stop there. Both Mr. Mkacher and the general secretary of the club faced prohibitions from holding office for years. The reason? A Facebook post where the CS Chebba president criticized Jary’s “authoritarian” leadership, lack of transparency, and called for a financial audit of FTF.
The arrest of Wadie Jary is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in the sports world. While it’s essential to await a fair trial, it’s also crucial to ensure that sports governance remains transparent and free from corruption. After all, the beautiful game deserves nothing less.