Espérance Sportive de Tunis announced on Friday that it has officially closed the file on renewing the contract of Algerian international Youcef Belaïli, bringing weeks of negotiations to an end.
In a statement, the Tunisian club said the decision came after all stages of negotiations had been exhausted and every agreed deadline had passed without the renewal being finalized.
According to the club, discussions began on June 5, when an initial agreement was reached between club president Hamdi Meddeb, vice-president Chokri Ouaer and Belaïli for a two-year contract extension. The agreement was part of the club’s strategy to preserve the team’s core players and ensure stability ahead of the new season.
Espérance said it remained committed to the agreement because of Belaïli’s importance to the squad and even reserved one of its limited registration spots while awaiting the completion of the deal.
The club added that it fulfilled all of its commitments by offering the player a competitive financial package that maintained his previous salary without any reduction, settling his outstanding dues and providing all documents needed to support his case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding a FIFA disciplinary matter.
Medical examinations and contract-signing appointments were scheduled on several occasions. Although a new agreement set July 21, 2026 as the signing date, Belaïli did not attend. A final deadline of July 23 also passed without the player or his representative appearing.
As a result, Espérance confirmed that the renewal process has been permanently terminated while wishing Belaïli success in the remainder of his football career.
The club also reaffirmed that its interests, credibility and institutional stability remain above all individual considerations.
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