Raja Casablanca turn to Spain’s Paco Jémez after Nasreddine Nabi resignation

Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca have decided to appoint Spanish coach Paco Jémez as the successor to Tunisian manager Nasreddine Nabi, whose resignation has been accepted by the club.

Nabi’s departure brings an end to a turbulent spell at Raja, with tensions reportedly growing between the coach and Portuguese sporting director Rogerio Matias.

The club have now settled on Jémez after considering several candidates for the position.

Nabi leaves after disagreements

Nabi had submitted his resignation following a failure to reach an agreement that would allow him to continue as head coach.

The Tunisian subsequently left Morocco for Belgium as the disagreement between him and the club’s sporting department intensified.

Raja’s management then reviewed a number of potential replacements, with Jémez and Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte emerging as the leading candidates.

The club eventually opted for the experienced Spaniard following recommendations put forward by sporting director Matias during discussions with Raja officials.

Experienced Spanish coach

Jémez, 56, has spent much of his managerial career in Spanish football.

He is best known for his five-season spell at Rayo Vallecano and has also managed Las Palmas, Granada, Cordoba and Ibiza.

His career has also taken him outside Spain, including spells in Mexico with Cruz Azul and in Iran with Tractor.

In 2026, Jémez worked as an assistant to Nuno Espírito Santo at English Premier League club West Ham.

Jémez set for official presentation

Raja are expected to formally present Jémez as their new head coach on Tuesday at the club’s academy.

The presentation is scheduled to begin at 18:00 and will mark the start of a new chapter for the Casablanca club.

Raja’s management are hoping the Spaniard’s experience can help restructure the team and provide stability after the uncertainty surrounding Nabi’s departure.

The appointment also allows the Moroccan club to turn its attention towards the challenges ahead, with the management keen to complete the transition quickly.

Jémez’s arrival effectively ends the uncertainty over Raja’s next head coach, although the club’s official announcement is still awaited.