Tunisia’s miserable World Cup campaign has taken another dramatic turn after reports claimed eight of their players returned unusual anti-doping findings during the tournament.
The North African side had already endured a painful group-stage exit after heavy defeats to Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands. Their campaign was chaotic from the start, with head coach Sabri Lamouchi reportedly dismissed after just one match.
Now, another controversy has emerged behind the scenes.
According to reports, several Tunisia players showed trace findings for clenbuterol, a substance banned in sport because of the way it can affect muscle and body composition. However, the case is not being treated as a straightforward cheating scandal.
That is because the levels detected were reportedly very low and may be linked to food contamination.
Tunisia had been based in Monterrey, Mexico, where clenbuterol has previously been connected to contaminated meat cases. The substance has been used illegally in livestock farming in some places, creating a risk that athletes can unknowingly consume affected meat.
Under anti-doping rules, very low traces can be treated as an “atypical finding” while investigators work out whether the source is more likely to be contaminated food rather than deliberate use.
That detail is crucial.
The players involved have not been named, and reports suggest they are not currently expected to face punishment if the contaminated-meat explanation is accepted. A local restaurant has reportedly become part of the investigation.
The story has still caused huge shock because of the number of players involved and because it comes during football’s biggest tournament.
It also raises immediate questions for other teams still playing in Mexico.
England are due to face Mexico in the last 16, but reports say the Three Lions travel with their own food and chefs, reducing the risk of players being exposed to uncertain local supplies.
For Tunisia, the tournament is already over.
But this latest twist means their World Cup disaster may be remembered not just for poor results, a coaching change and early elimination — but for one of the strangest anti-doping scares of the competition.
A failed campaign has now become a full-blown World Cup mystery.
