Raja Club Athletic dismiss Paco Jemez after poor run of results

Raja Club Athletic have dismissed head coach Paco Jemez after a review of the team’s results and performances.

The Moroccan side suffered their first defeat of the season when they lost 2-0 to RS Berkane in the Moroccan league.

In a statement, Raja said the decision followed a “comprehensive assessment” of the team’s sporting situation. The club said its results, quality of performances and overall development had not matched its stated ambitions and objectives.

“Raja Club Athletic announces its decision to terminate the contract of the first-team coach,” the statement said.

“After studying and evaluating the previous period, the sports committee, together with the sporting administration, concluded that a change in technical leadership had become necessary to inject new energy into the team and continue working towards the club’s sporting ambitions.”

The club also said it remained committed to its sporting project “with ambition and responsibility”, in line with its objectives, history, status and the expectations of its supporters.

Raja have six points and sit 13th in the Moroccan league, although they have a game in hand.

The club share Group One of the Confederation Cup with Al Ahly, Togo’s ASKO Kara and Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto.

Raja reached the group stage after beating Nigeria’s El Kanemi 2-0 in the second leg of their qualifying tie. The first leg had ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Moroccan club are due to face Al Ahly in the third and fourth rounds of the competition.

Al Ahly will host Raja at Cairo Stadium on one of the days between 18 and 20 December. The Egyptian side will then travel to face Raja on one of the days between 8 and 10 January.