The head of the medical committee of the Tunisian national football team clarified the issue of banned substances found in several players during the World Cup, which saw them eliminated from the group stage, stating that they were caused by food contamination in Mexico.

The British Daily Mail reported that doping tests revealed traces of a banned substance in several players, including some who play in the English league.

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It continued, "At least eight players showed atypical results for the substance clenbuterol, a drug that helps widen the airways and is on the list of banned substances of the World Anti-Doping Agency." It added, "However, officials later concluded that the presence of this substance was likely due to food contamination, because of meat consumed by the team members at their residence in Mexico, and not for performance enhancement." For his part, Dr. Souheil Chemli, head of the medical committee of the national team, told Tunisian national radio on Friday, "This banned substance appeared in player Hannibal (Mejbri) in the middle of the tournament, then in other players. It is a banned substance used for asthma patients or those suffering from shortness of breath." He continued, "Usually we obtain permission to use these substances from FIFA or CAF. It turned out that this substance came from contaminated meat. In Mexico, they are accustomed to feeding cattle and calves with these substances. There is no intention from any Tunisian player or medical staff to dope." He concluded, "For the record, this meat was provided by FIFA and the responsibility lies with them... There is no reason to worry about sanctions."

Following the 5-1 loss to Sweden, Tunisia became the first team in World Cup history to dismiss its coach after one match, when the services of Serbian Lemoshi were terminated. Frenchman Hervé Renard was brought in as an emergency coach but suffered two defeats: 4-0 against Japan and 3-1 against the Netherlands.