Former president of Tunisian FA jailed
The former president of the Tunisian Football Federation, Wadie Jary, has been sentenced to four years in prison on corruption charges, according to BBC Sport on February 21st.
The verdict came after ruled determined that an unlawful contract between the FTF and a technical director was executed during Jary’s tenure, a move deemed improper by the Tunisian sports ministry.
A spokesperson for the ministry explained that this contract was at the centre of the charges brought against him.
They claimed that there had been an ‘unlawful contract between the FTF and a technical director’.
Elected as head of the FTF in 2012, Jary, who is 52 years old, had been a controversial figure in Tunisian football for close to a decade.
During his leadership of the Tunisian football federation, Jary faced multiple allegations, including match-fixing, financial misconduct, and money laundering.
Jary has denied all accusations.
Local media reported ongoing disputes between Jary and the sports ministry, further tarnishing his reputation.
In January 2021, the Tunisian National Olympic Committee imposed a four-year ban on him for allegedly breaching both national and international Olympic ethics codes.
Despite this ban, Jary was elected to a role on the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football just two months later.
While he awaited trial, the general secretary of the Confederation of African Football, Veron Mosengo-Omba asserted that the organisation would not protect individuals involved in corrupt practices, promising a decision regarding Jary once the Tunisian legal process concluded.
After additional charges emerged, Jary was taken into custody in October 2023.
His legal team has announced plans to appeal the verdict.
This case highlights ongoing challenges within sports governance, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
The legal proceedings serve as a cautionary tale for officials in the world of football and beyond.
Authorities will hope this ruling prevents future corruption in sports by reinforcing the importance of ethical leadership and ensuring accountability at every administrative level both nationally and abroad.
Want to chase the pulse of North Africa? Enter your email address and name to receive our weekly newsletter.
