Raja AC face financial headache over potential Paco Jemez departure

Moroccan giants Raja AC are facing growing uncertainty over their technical direction after a disappointing start to the domestic campaign intensified pressure on head coach Paco Jemez.

The Spanish tactician has come under scrutiny following a series of underwhelming results, with the club’s management reportedly considering terminating his contract as they seek to reverse the team’s poor run of form.

Raja’s latest setback came in a 2-0 defeat to Renaissance Berkane in the sixth round of the Moroccan Botola Pro, further increasing concerns among supporters over the team’s performances.

The result extended a difficult period for the Casablanca-based outfit, who have struggled to find consistency since the beginning of the season.

Raja have collected just six points from a possible 15 in their opening five league matches, recording one victory, three draws and one defeat before their latest loss.

The club’s struggles have raised questions about the decision to part ways with Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi shortly before the start of the campaign and appoint Jemez as his replacement.

However, the change has yet to deliver the desired improvement, leaving the club’s hierarchy with an important decision to make regarding the future of the Spanish coach.

Although Raja officials are reportedly exploring the possibility of ending Jemez’s contract, negotiations have been complicated by the substantial financial implications of dismissing the technical staff.

The potential settlement is estimated to exceed 600 million Moroccan centimes, equivalent to approximately US$600,000, considering the salaries of the coaching staff and other contractual obligations.

Jemez reportedly earns around 56 million centimes monthly, while his first assistant receives approximately 13 million centimes, with the performance analyst earning another nine million centimes.

The financial burden could therefore complicate Raja’s efforts to make another change in the dugout, particularly at a time when the club needs stability to revive its domestic campaign.

Their situation is becoming increasingly delicate with the CAF Confederation Cup group stage approaching, where Raja have been drawn in Group alongside Egyptian giants Al Ahly, ASKO Kara of Togo and Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto.

The Moroccan side will be expected to compete strongly in the continental competition, but their current struggles have raised concerns about their readiness for the challenge.

With pressure mounting on Jemez and the cost of his potential departure presenting another obstacle, Raja’s management face a crucial period in determining the club’s immediate future.