Espérance Sportive de Tunis have entered what supporters hope will be a new chapter after officially appointing former goalkeeper Chokri El Ouaer as vice president in charge of football operations.
The appointment has been widely viewed by fans as the start of a significant administrative and sporting restructuring at the Tunisian club following a season marked by disappointment domestically and continentally.
Espérance confirmed the move through an announcement on the club’s official channels, stating that the handover process had already taken place at the club’s headquarters.
The decision comes at a time of frustration among supporters after the team lost the Tunisian league title to rivals Club Africain and were eliminated in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League by Mamelodi Sundowns FC.
Those setbacks intensified pressure on the club’s management and prompted calls for sweeping changes across the football department.
El Ouaer is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Espérance and Tunisian football.
During his playing career, he built a strong reputation through years of success with Espérance and the Tunisia national football team, winning major honours both domestically and internationally.
His return to the club has therefore been welcomed by many supporters, who see his appointment as an opportunity to restore stability and competitiveness after a difficult campaign.
The leadership change is part of a broader restructuring process already underway at the club.
Espérance have also decided to end the tenure of French coach Patrice Beaumelle following criticism over the team’s performances in decisive matches during the season.
Club officials now appear determined to open what many inside the organisation see as a new phase focused on rebuilding both technically and administratively.
Reports suggest El Ouaer will be granted broad authority over football matters, marking a major shift after years in which those responsibilities were overseen by Riad Ben Nour.
The appointment is therefore being interpreted as a signal that the club wants fresh leadership and a reorganisation of its internal football structure.
One of El Ouaer’s first and most sensitive challenges is expected to involve the future of Algerian international Youcef Belaïli.
According to reports close to the club, resolving Belaïli’s situation could become the first major decision of the new administration.
Espérance are reportedly keen to extend the player’s contract until June 2027 because of his importance to the squad and his influence on the team’s performances.
However, the situation remains complicated by the player’s legal status, with reports indicating Belaïli is currently serving a 12-month suspension imposed by FIFA.
That issue is expected to require careful legal and sporting management from the club’s new leadership.
Supporters are now looking to El Ouaer to restore discipline and direction within the squad as preparations begin for the new season.
The next phase is widely considered crucial for Espérance, with major decisions expected regarding player contracts, recruitment strategy and the appointment of a new coaching staff.
Observers believe El Ouaer’s handling of the Belaïli case could set the tone for the beginning of his administrative career and shape early perceptions of his leadership.
For many fans, the priority is clear: restoring Espérance to the top of Tunisian and African football after a campaign that fell far below expectations.
