Hakim Ziyech's Unprecedented Training Session with Wydad
On September 2, 2026, Moroccan football star Hakim Ziyech arrived punctually at the Wydad training facility, accompanied by a judicial officer. The club had scheduled an individual training session for him in Casablanca, yet multiple sports media outlets reported the startling absence of any coaching staff to oversee the session. This unusual development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ziyech and Wydad, which appears to be shifting towards a legal confrontation.
According to reports, Ziyech adhered to the training regimen communicated to him by the club. Excluded from the squad that traveled for a training camp in Agadir, he was instructed to remain in Casablanca for individual training sessions, which were to be supervised by a physical trainer. However, upon his arrival, it was noted that no technical staff were present to conduct the session, as detailed by _Radio Mars_. The judicial officer was thus able to document the circumstances and create an official report.
This move is not trivial; the documentation may serve as evidence for Ziyech to demonstrate that he fulfilled his training obligations as mandated by his employer. This documentation could prove vital should the dispute escalate to legal proceedings.
The Conflict with Wydad Intensifies
The tension surrounding Ziyech and Wydad has rapidly escalated in recent days. Initially, Ziyech was benched during a friendly match against Renaissance Zemamra, despite being present and prepared to play. Subsequently, he was excluded from the 28-player squad that continued the club's training in Agadir. The international player publicly placed the blame on the club's newly appointed president, Ibrahim El Asri, stating, "Go ask your president why he refused to let me play the match and why he barred me from traveling to Agadir." He accused the president of potentially lying about the rationale behind these decisions.
The roots of the discord between Ziyech and the new Wydad management lie primarily in the financial terms of his contract. The club’s management is keen on reducing expenses and has been seeking a solution regarding Ziyech's salary, which is estimated to be between €80,000 and €100,000 per month. In contrast, Ziyech insists on upholding the terms agreed upon upon his arrival at the club. The current management is now contemplating an amicable separation to prevent the contractual dispute from escalating into a judicial conflict.
The situation stands in stark contrast to early August when, after a meeting with El Asri, Ziyech appeared to have the opportunity to remain with Wydad and even extend his contract. Just a few weeks later, he finds himself excluded from team activities, resorting to having a judicial officer document the training conditions imposed by the club.
As reported by bladi.net.
