Tunisia’s team urged FIFA on Wednesday to allow them to summon another goalkeeper for the game with Panama, the last World Cup in 1818, as they have two of three injured goalkeepers called.
Ben Mustapha, who played in a 5-2 defeat by Belgium, suffered a knee injury while Moez Hassen, who played in the opening defeat by England, has complaints on his shoulder, so Aymen Mathlouthi is the only goalkeeper available for the African team, already eliminated from Group G.
“It is a dilemma for us. If FIFA does not approve another addition, we will find a solution, and maybe Aymen will be our only option,” said Nabil Maaloul, ahead of the last game against Panama.
FIFA rules do not allow changes to the 23 players called during the race, although a “force majeure” clause can work in favor of the Tunisians.
According to Maaloul, goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia of ES Tunis traveled to Moscow and is on his way to Saransk in case FIFA authorize entry.
Against Panama, Tunisia is looking for a first World Cup victory since 1978, and Maaloul said he was “proud to be coach of this team”.