Hakim Ziyech Refuses Salary Reduction Amidst Tension with Wydad
The ongoing conflict between Hakim Ziyech and the Wydad Casablanca management has escalated as the football star firmly rejects a proposed salary reduction. This refusal has significantly strained his relationship with the club's new leadership. Recently, Ziyech was notably excluded from a friendly match against Renaissance Zemamra and a training camp in Agadir, leading him to publicly accuse the club's president of dishonesty regarding his situation.
The salary issue has moved from behind closed doors to the forefront, as Wydad's newly appointed management has been actively seeking to lower the monthly salary of Ziyech, which ranges between €80,000 and €100,000. The former Chelsea player has consistently turned down various proposals aimed at decreasing his pay. This contract, which was negotiated during his highly publicized arrival at Wydad in October 2025, is a considerable burden on the club's payroll. The new president, Ibrahim El Asri, aims to reassess the financial commitments made by the previous administration led by Hicham Aït Menna, but Ziyech is determined to uphold the original terms that were agreed upon.
Initially, Wydad sought to find a way to facilitate Ziyech's departure, but the player has expressed his commitment to remain in Casablanca and fulfill his contract. Consequently, management attempted to negotiate a salary cut, which has also proven unsuccessful. Ziyech's refusal to accept any financial adjustments has led to decisions that directly impact his athletic preparation.
Public Disputes and Accountability
During the friendly match against Renaissance Zemamra, Hakim Ziyech arrived dressed in Wydad gear but was not utilized in the game. This absence raised questions among fans, prompting Ziyech to respond directly through an Instagram comment. He urged supporters to inquire with their president about the reasons for his exclusion from the match and the training camp in Agadir, claiming, "He will probably lie about it, as he always does." By pointing fingers at Ibrahim El Asri, Ziyech has not framed his non-participation as a tactical decision by the coach or a precaution due to fitness concerns but rather as a choice dictated by the president himself.
Moreover, Ziyech has stated that his request to travel to Agadir for the training camp was denied, which could hinder his integration with the team at a crucial time when the coaching staff is establishing the squad's hierarchy for the upcoming season. This situation marks a stark turnaround, as just weeks ago, discussions between Ziyech and the new president hinted at a possible continuation of his tenure or even an extension of his contract. At that time, the management dismissed rumors of a potential departure as harmful speculation. However, the disagreement over salary has evidently shattered this temporary peace.
As of now, Wydad has not publicly addressed Ziyech's accusations, but the power dynamics are becoming increasingly clear: Ziyech is adamant about not leaving or accepting a pay cut, while the management attempts to control his participation in matches and training sessions. As reported by bladi.net.
