Morocco star Hakim Ziyech’s Wydad dispute exposes growing problems at the Casablanca giants

Morocco international Hakim Ziyech’s growing dispute with Wydad Athletic Club has highlighted wider challenges facing one of African football’s most successful clubs.

Ziyech is reportedly unhappy with the way his situation has been handled by Wydad’s management after concerns over training conditions and his exclusion from the club’s Agadir training camp.

According to Moroccan newspaper Al-Sabah, several other players were also left out of the camp, with the Ziyech case becoming one of several pressing issues facing Wydad’s leadership.

Concerns over training conditions

Al-Sabah reported that Ziyech expressed his frustrations in the team’s WhatsApp group over what he considered inadequate conditions for training.

The Morocco international reportedly raised concerns over the absence of a natural grass pitch, as well as a physical trainer, physiotherapist and nurse.

The newspaper also said Ziyech was unhappy with delays in receiving the team’s training programme.

According to the report, players were sometimes not given the following day’s schedule until midnight, leaving them with little time to prepare.

Ziyech reportedly questioned why players were unable to receive their programmes earlier, given the importance of knowing the next day’s schedule before going to sleep.

Training ground frustration

The former Chelsea and Galatasaray player reportedly arrived at the training ground on Wednesday and spoke with youth team coach Abdel Latif Nossair before leaving angrily.

Al-Sabah said other players subsequently left the training ground, with a similar situation occurring again on Thursday morning.

The newspaper reported that Ziyech had initially been prepared to put his difficulties behind him and begin a new chapter with Wydad this season.

He continued training with the squad and at times worked individually, while reportedly remaining open to either renegotiating his contract or reaching an amicable agreement to terminate it.

Exclusion changes Ziyech’s position

However, Al-Sabah said Ziyech’s relationship with the club deteriorated after he was left out of Wydad’s match against Renaissance Zemamra and subsequently excluded from the Agadir camp.

The decision was reportedly administrative, according to what coach Pablo Sergio told the player.

The newspaper said the way Ziyech’s case was handled prompted a significant change in his position.

He has reportedly instructed a judicial commissioner to document what he considers the absence of training conditions required by law and is unwilling to accept a settlement outside the terms of his contract.

Wider problems for Wydad

Ziyech’s situation is now one of several major challenges facing Wydad president Hicham El Asri and the club’s management.

The Casablanca side must also work to resolve its transfer ban, settle outstanding payments owed to players and secure the international sponsor promised during El Asri’s election campaign.

Sporting director Salah Eddine Saidi and general manager Youssef Dabbagh are also expected to address the cases of other players facing similar situations.

Among those named by Al-Sabah are Ayman Dirani, Mohamed El Jadidi and Ahmed Ghilouf.

For Wydad, one of Morocco’s biggest clubs and a major force in African football, the dispute involving one of the country’s most recognisable international stars has placed further attention on problems that extend beyond Ziyech’s individual case.

How the club handles the situation could prove significant not only for the future of the former Chelsea player, but also for Wydad’s efforts to restore stability as they seek to remain competitive domestically and on the African stage.