Raja Casablanca president Jawad Ziyat criticized after Youssef Belamri’s near move to Al Ahly

Raja Casablanca president Jawad Ziyat is facing mounting criticism following Youssef Belamri’s near exit from the club.

Belamri was close to joining Egyptian giants Al Ahly, but negotiations fell through after the Egyptian side declined to meet Raja’s $500,000 asking price.

With his contract set to expire next summer, Belamri will be free to sign with any club as early as next month.

“Jawad Ziyat has come under pressure for not securing Belamri’s contract extension,” a source revealed.

Supporters concerned about Belamri’s potential departure argue that losing the winger to Al Ahly would be a significant setback for Raja, despite the club benefiting from $12 million this season after transitioning to a corporate ownership model.

Many feel retaining Belamri should have been a top priority.

The source added, “The president made every effort to convince Belamri to stay, but the player’s desire to leave made accepting Al Ahly’s offer inevitable, especially to avoid losing him for free.”