Sabri Lamouchi has found himself at the centre of growing controversy during his second training camp as coach of the Tunisia national football team, after questions emerged regarding the involvement of his son, Yanis Lamouchi, within the national team setup.
The debate has overshadowed what had initially been a positive atmosphere around the Tunisian camp following encouraging performances during the March international break in Canada.
Tunisia defeated Haiti 1-0 before drawing 0-0 against Canada, results that generated optimism among supporters as the team continued preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The “Eagles of Carthage” are preparing for their seventh appearance at the World Cup and hope to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
However, expectations remain high given the difficulty of Tunisia’s group, which includes Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands, placing every decision made by the coaching staff under close scrutiny from supporters and the media.
Attention first turned towards Lamouchi’s squad announcement on 15 May before wider questions emerged regarding changes within the national team structure.
Among the decisions that attracted attention was the departure of Dr Souheil Chemli after 14 years with Tunisia’s medical staff and his replacement by Faisal Khachnaoui.
Yet the biggest source of debate has centred on the role played by Yanis Lamouchi inside the national team camp.
During the press conference announcing Tunisia’s squad, Yanis Lamouchi was seen alongside his father inside the team facilities. His presence reportedly continued throughout training sessions, where he was observed not only following proceedings but also participating in organisational and technical activities.
The Tunisian Football Federation has not released any official statement clarifying his position or confirming whether he has formally joined either the technical or administrative staff.
That lack of clarity has led to conflicting reports and increasing speculation over the exact nature of his duties.
Sources close to the national team reportedly stated that Yanis is working in technical analysis and statistical data, roles he previously carried out alongside his father during coaching spells in Saudi Arabia with Al-Diriyah Club and Al-Riyadh SC.
Reports also suggested he could remain involved during Tunisia’s upcoming friendly matches against Austria and Belgium next month and may even travel with the squad to the World Cup.
The issue has divided opinion across the Tunisian football community.
Critics have argued that Yanis Lamouchi’s involvement risks creating perceptions of favoritism, particularly because no official explanation has been provided regarding his authority or responsibilities within the national team camp.
Some believe the national team environment should remain free from any doubts that could affect its image or raise concerns over equal opportunities within the coaching structure.
Others, however, have defended the arrangement and insisted that appointments in modern football should be judged on competence rather than family relationships.
Supporters of Yanis Lamouchi’s involvement point to his experience in technical analysis and note that data-driven tactical work has become increasingly important within elite national teams and clubs.
The debate now places additional pressure on Sabri Lamouchi at a crucial moment in Tunisia’s World Cup preparations.
While attention would normally focus on tactical planning and player readiness ahead of the tournament, the coach is instead facing questions away from the pitch in what many view as his first major off-field challenge since returning to lead Tunisia.
For some observers, the controversy could ultimately disappear if Yanis Lamouchi proves capable of making a meaningful contribution to the national team’s preparations and performances.
But without a formal clarification from the federation, the uncertainty surrounding his position is likely to remain a sensitive issue within the Tunisia camp as the countdown to the World Cup continues.
