Botola Pro: Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid handed two-match ban

Wydad Athletic Club will be without goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid for their match against Amal Tiznit on Sunday after the Professional Football League’s Disciplinary Committee handed him a two-match suspension.

The suspension comes ahead of the fourth round of the National Professional Football Championship, with Wydad scheduled to face Amal Tiznit at the Mohammed V Complex.

Benabid was punished alongside Marouane Ohro, a defender for Moghreb Athletic Fes, with both players receiving two effective matches for using obscene and unsportsmanlike language during their teams’ recent matches.

Benabid punished after Difaâ El Jadida match

According to Radio Mars, the Wydad goalkeeper’s suspension stems from his conduct during the match against Difaâ El Jadida.

Ohro received the same punishment following the match between Moghreb Athletic Fes and Raja Casablanca.

The incidents were recorded by the referees and match observers in their official reports, leading to disciplinary action against both players.

Disciplinary action targets unsporting behaviour

The decision highlights efforts by the relevant authorities to enforce standards of conduct in Moroccan football.

According to the report, the sanctions point towards greater implementation of the charter aimed at improving football practice in national stadiums and preventing verbal abuse and behaviour that undermines sportsmanship.

Players are also expected to exercise self-control and show respect for supporters and the wider sporting public.

Wydad and Moghreb Athletic Fes face selection challenges

Benabid’s absence presents a challenge for Wydad’s technical staff as they prepare for Sunday’s encounter with Amal Tiznit.

Moghreb Athletic Fes will also have to find an alternative for Ohro during his suspension.

Both coaching teams must now manage the absence of the suspended players as the league campaign continues.