Ahead of Tunisian 'Clasico': Esperance Offers to Share Cost of Foreign Referees Against Etoile du Sahel

Esperance Sportive de Tunis announced in an official statement that it has corresponded with the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF), the management committee of Etoile Sportive du Sahel, and the National Refereeing Directorate. This action comes in support of Etoile du Sahel's request for a full European foreign refereeing team to officiate the anticipated match between the two sides.

The club clarified that this request pertains to the appointment of both on-field referees and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials for the encounter between the two teams. This match is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse, as part of the Tunisian Championship competition.

Esperance Sportive de Tunis confirmed its readiness to bear 50 percent of the cost of bringing in the foreign refereeing team. The Tunisian Football Federation estimated this cost at approximately 50,000 Tunisian Dinars, as communicated to Etoile du Sahel's management.

The club emphasized, at the conclusion of its statement, that this step is taken out of its keenness to ensure the match is conducted in a sound sporting atmosphere. It also aims to promote the principle of equal opportunities, thereby serving the interests of Tunisian football and upholding the spirit of fair competition among clubs.