On Sunday, the Tunisian Football Federation publicly announced its unequivocal support for Hannibal Mejbri, a player on the Tunis national team and Burnley FC in England, who recently experienced racial abuse. This support comes in the wake of distressing incidents involving not only Mejbri but also fellow player Wesley Fofana of Chelsea, who both received derogatory messages via Instagram following their Premier League match that ended in a draw. The Federation assured that they have reached out to Mejbri to uplift his spirits during this challenging period and commended his responsible manner in handling the offensive remarks.

The context for this incident lies in the persistent prevalence of racism in football, which remains a pressing issue even in the year 2026. Mejbri shared on Instagram some of the harassment he faced, which included vile descriptions aimed at him. His messages highlight a grim reality where despite societal progress, racial slurs still find a platform in modern sports. Fofana echoed similar frustrations in his own social media post, indicating that not much has changed despite the passage of time and calls for racial equality in sports.

This event not only sheds light on the ongoing battle against racism within football but also stresses the importance of solidarity among players and organizations in confronting such attitudes. The reactions from both the Federation and the players signal that while sporting agencies can offer support, it is also crucial for fans and society at large to combat racism systematically. The Federation’s swift response indicates a proactive approach to fostering a supportive environment for all players, particularly in light of the significant visibility and influence they carry in today’s social landscape.