Wydad Athletic Club Welcomes New Leadership
The Wydad Athletic Club has recently appointed a new president under challenging circumstances. Ibrahim El Asri emerged victorious from a tumultuous general assembly, inheriting a club that is beset by financial troubles, international disputes, and a frustrated fan base. As a civil engineer turned club president, El Asri faces the daunting task of rebuilding quickly on a precarious foundation.
Significant Changes and Financial Challenges
July 21 marks a pivotal moment in the recent history of the Red and Whites. What was intended to be a routine ordinary assembly transformed into a regime change when members refused to endorse the financial reports presented by the outgoing administration. This discontent led to the ousting of Hicham Aït Menna's board, resulting in an electoral process. In the first round, El Asri secured 62 votes, outpacing Yassine Saadallah (43 votes) and Anas Kourami (27 votes), the latter of whom subsequently withdrew from the race. The final round confirmed El Asri's lead with 72 votes against his opponent's 56 from a total of 135 cast. However, the voting outcome did not quell the dissatisfaction among the members, with approximately forty individuals contemplating legal action regarding the financial records and demanding an audit to scrutinize the club's finances. Some members allege that the outgoing management has left a cumulative debt exceeding 120 million dirhams, indicating that El Asri’s term begins under intense scrutiny.
The analysis of the club's accounts unravels a tale of two realities. While the association appears to be in relatively good health—showing a positive balance of 2.3 million dirhams, a 38.9% increase year-on-year, and total association funds amounting to 59.1 million dirhams without any liabilities—the professional side tells a starkly different story. The sports company is grappling with approximately 41 million dirhams owed to third-party clubs for transfer deals. Additionally, there is an outstanding debt of 30.75 million dirhams owed to players and staff, including unpaid signing bonuses, salaries for May and June, and performance bonuses. Moreover, there exists an exposure of over 28 million dirhams in pending cases before FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where several foreign clubs are claiming their dues. The outgoing president acknowledged that the transfer of authority would likely extend over several weeks, creating a precarious interim period during which the financial situation needs to be clarified while ensuring the organization remains operational. Each day of uncertainty adds to the financial burden, accumulating penalties for late payments and diminishing the negotiation power with creditors.
El Asri’s professional journey partly explains his electoral success. In his thirties and a trained civil engineer, he manages a construction company active in residential development, educational infrastructure, and heritage restoration. His dedication to Wydad is longstanding; he has previously animated the Curva Nord and served on the board during Abdelmajid Bernaki's tenure. This dual experience—of both the fan culture and administrative governance—fuels hopes for a leadership that can reconcile with its base. Reflecting on his victory, El Asri emphasized the honor of assuming the role and the immediate need to get to work, opting for a measured approach rather than grandiose promises, a refreshing change from the bombastic commitments that have characterized recent years. His presidency will ultimately be assessed by one standard: actions speak louder than words.
Nevertheless, financial stabilization alone will not suffice to reclaim trophies. The past season left its mark, resulting in a fifth-place finish in the league, an early exit in the CAF Cup quarter-finals, and now two consecutive seasons without a title. The outgoing administration's record—39 wins, 20 draws, and 25 losses in 84 games—highlights the significant decline for a club accustomed to dominance. As the new season approaches, uncertainty looms over critical aspects such as the coaching staff, team composition, and overall ambitions. Recruiting while burdened with transfer debts that could incur sanctions presents a complex challenge, as does retaining players awaiting their payments. Additionally, the club's infrastructure, from the stadium to the training center, requires investment, and the new management's ability to reassure sponsors and partners will significantly impact the financial equation. In his original profession, Ibrahim El Asri understands that no structure stands firm without solid foundations. At Wydad, everything must be rebuilt—from financial underpinnings to the sporting framework. His voters have entrusted him with the blueprints, while the supporters will evaluate the results.
As reported by leseco.ma.
