Naji Jouini is on the verge of returning as General Supervisor of the Referees Committee at the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF), following the resignation of Jamal Haimoudi. Jouini has reportedly agreed in principle to take the reins, pending final administrative approval and endorsement from the Ministry of Sports.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Administrative Continuity: Restoring Jouini’s trusted operational staff—including Mourad Ben Hamza—brings immediate structural predictability to the domestic calendar ahead of the professional league kickoff.
The Anatomy of a Crisis: Why Haimoudi Stepped Down
The administrative upheaval at the FTF comes at a critical juncture, arriving roughly three weeks before the scheduled kickoff of the Tunisian Professional league. Jamal Haimoudi’s tenure formally expired on June 30, after having been appointed in January 2024 under former leadership. But the tape of the 2025–2026 domestic campaign told a turbulent story of mounting friction.
Controversial penalty decisions—most notably a high-profile incident involving Stade Tunisien and Esperance—ignited fierce pushback from several clubs. Facing sharp divisions within the federation board, a faction of members blocked Haimoudi’s contract renewal. With the political backing for his leadership evaporating, Haimoudi opted to step down, clearing the path for the federation to pivot back to a proven domestic heavyweight.
Front-Office Bridging: Jouini’s Conditions and Ministry Backing
In the wake of Haimoudi’s exit, FTF President Moez Nasri moved swiftly to initiate negotiations with Jouini. The former international referee brings heavy institutional credibility, having previously led the refereeing directorate through 2023 and 2024 before resigning in October 2024 over unpaid dues and subpar working conditions for match officials.
This time, however, Jouini has engineered his return on strict operational terms. According to internal reports, the incoming supervisor demanded the reinstatement of his core technical team: Mourad Ben Hamza heading the appointments committee, alongside Karim Khemiri, Youssef Serairi, Amin Berkallah, and Mohamed Ben Hassana. Crucially, the Ministry of Sports—the governing body responsible for funding the salaries of the committee and its officials—has already thrown its weight behind Jouini’s appointment.
| Official / Key Figure | Role / Title | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Naji Jouini | General Supervisor of Referees (Incoming) | Agreed in principle; pending Ministry endorsement |
| Jamal Haimoudi | Former Referees Committee Head | Resigned following board divisions |
| Moez Nasri | FTF President | Led negotiations for the leadership transition |
| Mourad Ben Hamza | Head of Appointments Committee | Requested by Jouini as a core staff condition |
Tactical Reform and the Road Ahead for Tunisian Officiating
By demanding his trusted personnel back in place, Jouini aims to re-establish rigorous standards for referee positioning and disciplinary management.
The Takeaway
The return of Naji Jouini marks a pragmatic retreat to familiar leadership for Tunisian football governance.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
