Youcef Belaïli faces FIFA sanctions after signing two contracts with MC Alger and ES Tunis
Footballer Youcef Belaïli is at the center of a contractual dispute involving MC Alger and ES Tunis, potentially leading to FIFA sanctions. According to El-Khabar, Belaïli signed a two-season contract with MC Alger on July 10, 2026, for a reported 1.9 billion centimes. ES Tunis, however, announced his engagement on August 14, 2026. The 35-day difference between the two signings is crucial under FIFA regulations. Article 18, paragraph 5 of the FIFA regulations on the status and transfer of players states that a professional player who signs multiple contracts covering the same period automatically falls under Chapter 4, focusing on contractual stability. If the two contracts are confirmed, Belaïli could face penalties. ES Tunis also risks being presumed to have incited the breach of contract, as per Article 17, paragraph 11, which applies when a player signs a new contract within 45 days of breaking a previous one. With a 35-day gap, this presumption applies, making ES Tunis jointly and severally liable for any owed sums. MC Alger could seek full compensation for damages, including lost services and transfer fees, which could amount to approximately 48 billion centimes based on Belaïli's negotiated salary. Belaïli's argument that his Algerian contract was invalid due to non-registration with the professional league within ten days is not recognized by FIFA, which prioritizes the validity and duration of contracts over national qualification procedures. The player was ineligibl
