Tunisian pétanque player Mohamed Amine Saïdi reported missing at Rome airport

Saïdi, a specialist in the raffa discipline, was part of the Tunisian delegation participating in the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. The delegation, which included three coaches and nine other players, traveled from Bari airport to Rome for a connecting flight to Tunisia. Upon arrival at Rome airport, the delegation noticed Saïdi's absence.

Immediate searches were unsuccessful, partly due to limited time before the flight to Tunis. Raouf Akili, head of the Tunisian delegation, informed airport security in Rome of the disappearance before the plane departed. Akili officially informed the Federation of the player's disappearance on Thursday, August 27.

The Tunisian Pétanque Federation then notified the Ministry of Youth and Sports via email. A detailed report on the circumstances of Saïdi's travel and disappearance is expected from Raouf Akili, who also serves as the national pétanque team coach for the open discipline. Saïdi, who plays for the Ezzahra Pétanque Association, is described by the Federation president as a promising player with recognized athletic and personal qualities.

The exact circumstances of his disappearance at Rome airport are still unknown.