El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia is set to host the pinnacle of Moroccan football, the Casablanca Derby, as Wydad and Raja face off on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in a crucial fixture of the 14th round of the Professional League.
The Central Directorate of Refereeing, under the National Professional Football League, has appointed Jalal Jaid to officiate the derby.
He will be supported by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Karim Sabri, hailing from the Greater Casablanca Referee Association.
With ten previous Casablanca Derby matches under his belt, Referee Redouane Jaid from the Souss Referee Association remains one of the most experienced officials in this intense rivalry.
It is noteworthy that the Wydad vs. Raja match will take place at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, kicking off at 4:00 PM local time, amidst empty stands due to security concerns.
The Casablanca Derby is not just a football match; it is a cultural phenomenon and a display of the rich history between two of Morocco’s most successful football clubs.
The appointment of Jalal Jaid, an experienced referee, underlines the importance of maintaining fairness and order in such high-stakes encounters.
The decision to hold the game without spectators adds a layer of complexity, acknowledging the security challenges associated with the fierce rivalry between Wydad and Raja fans.