Wydad Casablanca has issued a strong rebuke following inflammatory remarks made by journalist Amine Birouk, who labelled the Moroccan giants a “bastard club” in the wake of their disappointing exit from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The three-time Moroccan champions concluded their tournament campaign on a sour note after suffering a third straight defeat, losing 2-1 to Al Ain on the final day of the group stage.
Their early elimination had already stirred frustration among fans and pundits, but tensions escalated significantly when Birouk, speaking live on Radio Mars, delivered a stinging critique that many deemed deeply disrespectful.
Birouk’s comments, aired in a widely followed broadcast, drew widespread backlash.
The journalist, known for his fiery style, went beyond conventional criticism, accusing Wydad of lacking stature and calling them a “bastard club”—a term that instantly sparked outrage among the club’s supporters and hierarchy.
Wydad’s management responded swiftly and firmly.
In an official statement released Friday, the Casablanca-based club condemned what it described as a deliberate and offensive attack on its identity.
“Following the recent statements made by a radio journalist named Amine Birouk on a Radio Mars show, in which he exceeded the limits of professionalism and ethics by expressing deep hatred towards Wydad Athletic Club, through phrases that are not worthy of the level of sports discussion, the club’s management strongly condemns this shameful behavior which offends not only Wydad Club, but also the entire media and sports system,” the club said.
The statement further declared that Wydad would explore legal action, asserting its intent to defend its honour and that of its supporters.
“Wydad Sporting Club, as a prestigious sporting institution, has always been committed to a spirit of responsibility and respect, but will not stand idly by in the face of the insults that are systematically addressed to it,” it added.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Wydad, who were aiming to restore continental pride at the Club World Cup but fell short of expectations.
While criticism of the team’s performances was anticipated, the nature of Birouk’s outburst has shifted attention toward the boundaries of sports journalism and public discourse.
As of now, no formal apology has been issued by Birouk or Radio Mars, and the case could move into the legal arena if Wydad proceeds with its threat of judicial action.
