Wydad face FIFA threat as Rulani Mokwena awaits unpaid wages in Casablanca standoff

Rulani Mokwena has gone eight months without receiving a salary at Wydad Athletic Club, with the South African coach now set for urgent discussions that could determine whether he remains at the Moroccan side or departs before season’s end.

The 38-year-old tactician, who joined Wydad in July following his abrupt departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, is reportedly considering walking away from his post due to a serious breach of contract.

Despite signing a long-term deal running through to June 2027, Mokwena has yet to be paid a cent since taking over in Casablanca.

Sources close to the situation have revealed that Mokwena has even resorted to using personal funds to provide essential training equipment for the squad.

His support staff—consisting of seasoned assistant Allan Freese, coach Sinethemba Badela, and goalkeeper trainer Sean Louw—are also believed to have been left unpaid since their arrival.

The financial dispute has placed Wydad in a precarious position. Although Mokwena has thus far refrained from instructing his legal representatives to escalate the matter to FIFA, he has been advised to consider the option should the club continue to renege on its contractual obligations.

Tensions have escalated at a crucial point in Wydad’s campaign. Though RS Berkane clinched the Botola Pro League title with seven games to spare, Wydad remain in contention for a spot in either the CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup.

Mokwena’s guidance in the final five matches could still deliver a top-three finish, but his future hangs in the balance.

His relationship with supporters has also come under strain. Following a disappointing early exit from the Throne Cup at the hands of MA Tetouan last weekend, fan frustration resurfaced, placing further scrutiny on the coach’s position.

Expectations had been high upon his arrival, and the club’s failure to compete for silverware has drawn criticism from a demanding fanbase.

In a fresh development, Mokwena’s representatives are expected to travel to Casablanca in the coming days for face-to-face talks with Wydad’s leadership.

The objective will be to resolve the salary standoff and assess whether the club is willing—and able—to fulfil its financial commitments for the remainder of the season and beyond.

Should the club fail to provide assurances, Mokwena could opt to part ways immediately, and Wydad would risk disciplinary measures from FIFA, including possible sanctions or a renewed transfer embargo.

Ironically, Wydad had only recently escaped a previous transfer ban by settling outstanding payments, which then enabled them to sign a staggering 22 players in one transfer window.

That spree now appears ill-timed as they grapple with internal turmoil and unpaid obligations to their technical team.

The coming week is expected to be decisive. Whether Mokwena chooses to honour his contract or seek legal redress, Wydad’s management faces mounting pressure to rectify a situation that threatens both their season and their credibility on the African football stage.