Hakim Ziyech's Turbulent Times at Wydad de Casablanca
The ongoing saga surrounding Hakim Ziyech at Wydad de Casablanca has recently escalated, presenting a new layer of complexity to the situation. After months of uncertainty regarding his future and position within the club, the Moroccan international has made a public statement that directly implicates the club's president, Brahim El Assri, in the decisions affecting his involvement with the team.
On August 30, 2026, Ziyech was present at the Complexe Welness for a friendly match between Wydad and Renaissance Club Athletic Zemamra (RCAZ). Dressed and ready to participate, he was abruptly informed by coach Paulo Sérgio Brito that he would not be playing, a decision attributed to the directives of President El Assri. This unexpected turn of events has sparked a significant backlash, particularly as Ziyech was also absent from the pre-season training camp in Agadir, further fueling speculation about his standing with the club.
In response to an Instagram post highlighting the news, Ziyech, affectionately known as "The Wizard," openly criticized El Assri, suggesting that the president is responsible for his exclusion from both the friendly match and the training camp. This public confrontation marks a pivotal shift in a narrative that had previously been characterized by a lack of open dispute.
Despite the turbulence surrounding his status, Ziyech had continued to train with the team and had participated in earlier preparations, including a match against Ittihad de Tanger. However, the core issue at hand appears to revolve around his salary, which the new management deems excessive. While the club seeks to restructure its financial commitments, Ziyech has expressed reluctance to renegotiate the terms agreed upon when he joined the team, insisting on fulfilling his contractual obligations.
This development represents a significant departure from initial expectations following the arrival of the new presidency under El Assri, who is now faced with navigating a public dispute that has shifted from a quiet contractual disagreement to a visible confrontation just weeks ahead of the new season, which is set to commence on September 24, 2026. The question surrounding Ziyech's future at Wydad is no longer confined to financial negotiations but has evolved into a broader examination of how the new leadership intends to manage such critical relationships within the club.
As reported by sport.le360.ma.
