“Tunisian Football Club Closes as Players Move to Europe in Spectacular Fashion”

Tunisian Football Club Suspending Activities Due to Players’ Illegal Migration

A Tunisian football club, Ghardimaou, has announced the suspension of its activities after 32 of its players illegally emigrated to Europe, blaming the current economic crisis in the country for pushing its citizens to take desperate measures. The president of the fourth-division club, Jamil Meftahi, explained that over the past three years, 32 of the club’s players have illegally emigrated to Europe, availing of the visa-free travel between Tunisia and Serbia before the latter imposed a visa requirement. The Ghardimaou players, aged between 17 and 22, either left by sea or went via Serbia and then illegally crossed the border into other countries, Meftahi added.

Limited Opportunities, Lack of Financial Means, and Marginalisation

The region of Ghardimaou, an inland rural district near the Algerian border, is characterised by its limited economic opportunities and a lack of development projects. This situation has led to high levels of marginalisation, driving talented young football players to seek opportunities abroad. In a statement, Meftahi blamed players’ “lack of financial means” for their departures, indicating that the organisation cannot afford equipment, shirts, or shoes, and the players aren’t being paid.

The Economic Factors Behind Illegal Migration

Tunisia has been experiencing a long and severe economic crisis, leading many of its citizens to take desperate measures, such as illegal migration. The country’s economic challenges include a high unemployment rate, inflation, and a lack of job opportunities, all of which continue to worsen. The pandemic has significantly impacted the country’s economy, with the stagnation of important sectors, such as tourism, causing job losses and revenue decline. Tunisia’s economic concerns have pushed many of its youth to explore other opportunities abroad, despite the dangers associated with illegal migration.

Italy’s Migrant Influx

Many Tunisians and other sub-Saharan African countries’ citizens attempt to cross the Central Mediterranean, which is the deadliest migration route globally, to reach Italy’s southern coast. Rome’s Interior Ministry reported that over 14,000 migrants have arrived in Italy since the beginning of the year, with the numbers exceeding the 5,300 in 2022 and 4,300 in 2021 over the same periods, respectively. The Tunisian coast is located within 150 kilometres of the Italian island of Lampedusa, making it a preferred point of departure for migrants aiming to cross the Mediterranean.

Conclusion

Illegal migration from Tunisia has significantly increased over the years, as the country continues to grapple with worsening economic challenges, leading to unemployment, inflation, and a lack of job opportunities. These challenges have driven many of Tunisia’s youth to seek opportunities abroad, despite the risks associated with illegal migration. The situation has pushed many Tunisian football players, including Ghardimaou players, to travel via Serbia, with some making their way into other territories illegally. Limiting illegal migration from Tunisia requires a concerted effort by the government, civil society, and other stakeholders to address the underlying economic and social issues driving young people out of the country.

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