Morocco star Hakim Ziyech clashes with Wydad AC coach over friendly match snub

Morocco international Hakim Ziyech clashed with Wydad Athletic Club head coach Paulo Sergio after being left out of friendly against Renaissance Zemamra as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season.

The former Chelsea star was expected to feature in the second half of the friendly played last Saturday. The forward had taken part in a warm-up with a group of Wydad players during the opening period before returning to the dressing room at halftime.

However, as he prepared to come onto the pitch for the second half, Ziyech was reportedly informed by Paulo Sergio that he would no longer be used in the match.

The situation reportedly became more complicated when the Portuguese coach told the player that he would also not be included in the squad travelling to Agadir for Wydad’s upcoming training camp.

According to reports, Sergio told Ziyech that the decision had been taken following instructions from Wydad president Ibrahim Al-Asri.

The claim prompted Ziyech to contact the club president directly to seek clarification. Al-Asri reportedly denied giving the coach instructions to leave him out of the friendly or prevent him from travelling with the squad to Agadir.

The disagreement subsequently escalated, with Ziyech and Paulo Sergio engaging in a heated exchange that reportedly developed into a public confrontation.

The incident is said to have caused discomfort among some members of the Wydad squad, with several players reportedly unhappy with the manner in which the situation was handled.

Ziyech later appeared to address the incident indirectly through a comment on one of Wydad’s Instagram pages.

“Go and ask your boss why he refused to let me play in the match, and why he refused to let me travel to Agadir,” the Moroccan international wrote as reported by Hesport.

The reported confrontation comes at a delicate time in the relationship between Ziyech and the Wydad hierarchy.

The club has previously held discussions with the former Ajax and Chelsea star over a possible restructuring of his salary, with the player’s contract understood to be among the highest at the club. Wydad are seeking to ensure that their wage structure remains compatible with their current financial situation.

The latest incident could further strain relations between the player, the club’s management and Paulo Sergio, potentially accelerating speculation over Ziyech’s future at the Casablanca-based club.

There has also reportedly been growing frustration among sections of the Wydad fanbase. Supporters are said to believe that Ziyech, who holds a special place in the hearts of the club’s followers, should have been handled with greater flexibility in order to prevent the dispute from developing into a wider crisis.

With the new season approaching, the situation now leaves questions over whether Wydad’s management will step in to resolve the disagreement and restore stability within the squad.