Moroccan outfit MAS Fes protest scheduling chaos, stadium closure and VAR controversies

Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès (MAS Fes) has issued a strongly worded statement protesting what it describes as a series of decisions that have negatively affected the club since the start of the current season.

In the statement, the historic Moroccan club stressed that remaining silent was no longer an option after repeated incidents that, in its view, undermine the principle of equal opportunity among teams competing in the national championship.

MAS Fes specifically criticized disruptions in match scheduling, pointing to the recent fixture against Olympique Dcheira which was rescheduled without a clear explanation. According to the club, the sudden change severely affected the technical staff’s preparations while also creating logistical challenges related to travel arrangements and reservations.

The club further expressed concern over what it described as unusually long and frequent breaks imposed on the team, sometimes lasting several weeks. MAS Fes argued that these interruptions have placed them at a disadvantage compared to other competitors who have maintained more consistent playing schedules, ultimately affecting the team’s competitiveness.

Infrastructure issues were also highlighted as a major concern. MAS Fes questioned the decision to close the Fes Sports Complex while other stadiums across the country have remained open. The club said the closure has resulted in significant financial losses and deprived the team of the crucial support of its home fans.

The statement also referenced the continued use of the Hassan II Stadium as an alternative venue, which the club described as a major obstacle. MAS Fes noted that it had initially accepted the closure of its home ground in order to support national preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, but believes the situation has now become detrimental to the club.

In addition to logistical concerns, MAS Fes pointed to several refereeing and technical issues, including the alleged denial of clear penalties and problems with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system during certain matches.

The club also raised questions about disparities in technical conditions across stadiums, particularly regarding television broadcast infrastructure and the number of cameras used. According to MAS Fes, such inconsistencies could influence crucial decisions like offside calls.

Emphasizing its long-standing history and stature in Moroccan football, the club insisted that its rights cannot be compromised due to what it called mismanagement. MAS Fes therefore called on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football to ensure fairness, transparency, and equal treatment for all clubs.

The club concluded by reaffirming its commitment to strong governance and institutional development while continuing to defend its interests within Moroccan football.