Botola Pro 1: Raja Casablanca insists postponed matches must be played before second round begins

Raja Club Athletic has formally opposed the start of the second round of the Botola Pro 1 season until all outstanding fixtures from the first half of the campaign are completed.

The club has addressed an official letter to the National Professional Football League, emphasising that the competition’s regulations require the full completion of first-round matches before the return leg of the season can commence.

According to Raja, the club has already concluded its entire first-round schedule, while several other teams still have matches yet to be played. The management believes this situation creates an imbalance in the competition.

In its correspondence, the club argued that allowing the second phase of the league to begin under such circumstances compromises fairness and equal opportunity among the participating teams. Referencing article 20, paragraph 4 of the league’s rules, Raja stressed that all postponed first-leg fixtures must be played “as soon as possible” before the return matches are scheduled.

Club officials maintained that launching the second half of the season without resolving these outstanding games could distort the competitive structure of the league. They noted that certain teams might gain an advantage by having fewer matches played, while others could face increased pressure due to scheduling disparities. Such a scenario, they said, contradicts the principle of sporting fairness.

Raja therefore, made it clear that the club will only agree to play its second round matches once every postponed fixture from the first half of the campaign has been completed.

The issue comes at a time when the league’s organisation has drawn criticism. The National Professional Football League recently reversed its decision to stage postponed Round 10 matches on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Earlier in the week, the league had even rescheduled the clash between Maghrib Fes and Olympic Dcheira to Saturday to create room for those outstanding fixtures. However, the plan was later abandoned without explanation, leaving the issue of postponed matches unresolved.

This sudden change of direction has intensified criticism regarding the league’s scheduling process and overall coordination.

Raja Casablanca concluded the first half of the Botola Pro season with 30 points, occupying the top spot in the standings after securing a 2–0 victory over Olympic Safi. The club has completed all 15 of its matches, recording eight wins, six draws, and only one defeat. Their city rivals Wydad are currently second but have played only 12 matches. Maghreb de Fes sit third with 13 games played, while AS FAR are fourth after completing 12 fixtures.