Youcef Belaïli at center of contract dispute between MC Alger and Espérance Tunis

A legal dispute has emerged between North African football giants MC Alger and Espérance Sportive de Tunis over the signing of Algerian international Youcef Belaïli. The conflict follows a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to lift a professional suspension that had been imposed on the 34-year-old attacker.

Espérance de Tunis announced the immediate activation of a contract with Belaïli, noting that the lifting of his sanction made him available to join their squad. However, MC Alger has issued official statements asserting they hold a valid, signed contract with the player for two seasons. The Algerian club maintains that their agreement was legally binding and subject to the CAS verdict.

The situation has led to heated exchanges, including accusations of dishonesty between the player and MC Alger's general manager, Djamel Benlamri. With both clubs claiming exclusive contractual rights, the matter is expected to escalate into a legal battle, potentially requiring intervention from FIFA to determine which club is authorized to register the player.