Debt, departure of key players looms as CS Sfaxien prepares for new season

After a dreadful season marred by financial difficulties, CS Sfaxien has returned to training under new coach Mohamed Kouki. The Tunisian side is losing key players as financial struggles continue.

According to Tunisian daily La Presse, 28 players were present for the first training session under Kouki. The coach expressed satisfaction with the turnout. “For me, it is an honorable presence because we cannot bring everyone together on the first day,” he said.

Sfaxien has launched a fundraising campaign to pay off some of its debts, but the effort has yet to yield results. Administrative issues are also a major concern, as no candidate has shown interest in participating in the elective general assembly.

The Sfaxien board believes that the only viable solution to ease the financial crisis is the sale of players. Center-back Mohamed Nasraoui has left to join Croatian side Istra for a fee close to €350,000. Goalkeeper Ayman Dahmen could also depart, with clubs like FAR Rabat reportedly interested.

Sfaxien is expected to begin the new season with an emphasis on youth players as important veterans like Dahmen examine options abroad.