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| - Hundreds of residents of a Tunisian coastal town are threatening to embark on illegal sea crossings to Italy in protest at their local football club's suspension from the league. The Tunisian Football Federation on October 17 slapped a one-year ban on CS Chebba, officially over an incomplete and late membership application. The club's president has for months been at odds with the federation's chief, Wadie Jary, especially after Facebook posts criticising the TFF's financial dealings. Hundreds of angry fans have taken to the streets of the town blocking roads and setting tyres on fire in protest at the suspension. "In response to the silence of the authorities, residents have decided to leave the country and head for Italy," Mohamed Ali Abbas, a support committee member, told AFP. A tent has been put up at Chebba for people to register for the crossings planned for early Thursday on an armada of some 200 boats. More than 1,365 people, including women and children, have signed up, according to Abbas who said whole families were disillusioned by alleged "marginalisation" by authorities. Illegal sea crossings to Europe from Tunisia have been on the rise ever since 2017, largely driven by economic woes after a 2011 revolution that many hoped would bring change. str-kl/agr/hc/dv
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