Al Ahly assistant coach Imad Al-Nahhas has dismissed claims that Moroccan forward Achraf Bencharki rebelled during their 0-0 draw with Inter Miami at the 2025 Club World Cup opener.
Speaking after the game, Al-Nahhas addressed the swirling rumors head-on, stating clearly that Bencharki had not refused to warm up or caused any disruption.
“Achraf Bencharki was sad that he did not participate in the match, and this is normal for any player who aspires to participate in an event the size of the Club World Cup, but there has been no transgression from him,” said Al-Nahhas.
He clarified that Bencharki trained after the game with other unused players on instructions from Spanish head coach Jose Riveiro.
“Achraf Bencharki is a professional and committed player… I met with him after the game and explained to him why he didn’t play.”
Al-Nahhas also noted the competition for spots, referencing stars like Aliou Dieng and Yahya Atilla.
Bencharki remains in Riveiro’s plans as Al Ahly prepare for a key test against in their next Group A fixture.
