In the case of young Tunisian swimmer Ahmed Jaouadi, a notable development in the affair between the Tunisian Swimming Federation (FTN) and French coach Philippe Lucas, the federation published an official press release on November 14, 2025 to clarify its position in the face of accusations relating to contractual unpayments. The FTN presents a series of elements that it considers sufficient to demonstrate that it has respected its financial commitments.
According to the press release, the Federation claims to have honored several payments linked to the Olympic preparation of swimmer Ahmed Jwedi, coached by Philippe Lucas:
On June 6, 2025, an amount of 185,000 dinars would have been paid as the Olympic preparation bonus.
On July 28, 2025, a foreign currency transfer certificate worth 105,000 dinars was provided to ensure technical and logistical support.
This amount was deposited into the swimmer’s account on August 22, 2025, after finalization of legal procedures.
The FTN indicates that the funds sent included 50,000 dinars intended for the first payment of Philippe Lucas’s fees. However, according to the press release, “the athlete failed to fulfill his contractual commitments and did not pay the coach despite the availability of funds in his account”.
The body also specifies that it is in the process of completing the necessary procedures for the payment of the last contractual payment, estimated at 185,000 dinars, affirming its attachment to the principles of “transparency and good management of public money”.
In conclusion, the Tunisian Swimming Federation ensures that it is working, in coordination with swimmer Ahmed Jaouadi, to “resolve the pending situation” concerning the remaining fees owed to Philippe Lucas.
This press release comes just one day after the French coach’s statement on IFM radio, during which he threatened to take legal action. The case remains, at this stage, awaiting a final settlement likely to guarantee the rights of all parties concerned.
S.H.