Wydad supporters rally following president’s arrest
Wydad Casablanca supporters groups convened an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the club’s future after president Said Naciri’s imprisonment on international drug trafficking charges.
The gathering occurred at the home of Mohamed Benjelloun, Wydad’s founder, and involved prominent fan associations aiming to mobilise backing during this crisis.
Speaking to Le Site Info, Al Bayt Al Ahmar president Abderrahim Azmi stressed the importance of unity across Wydad stakeholders.
“I called on all components of WAC to mobilise in order to overcome this critical period,” Azmi remarked.
With Naciri detained pending further judicial investigation, vice-president Abdelmjid Bernaki will assume presidential duties in the interim.
According to governing statutes, Naciri technically retains his position unless convicted in court, which would prompt an extraordinary general assembly to elect a successor.
In the meantime, Wydad is attempting to resolve financial disputes hampering recruitment plans for the upcoming winter transfer window.
Having claimed the league title last season, supporters are eager to see the squad strengthened and the club return to stability.
Azmi emphasised that fan organisations will spearhead initiatives and events to maintain backing through this turbulent period.
Other club legends and former players are also assisting efforts to steady Wydad’s ship until Naciri’s case reaches a definitive conclusion.
“This is a real body blow, but all of us – supporters, ex-players and current management – must stick together behind our team,” Azmi continued.
“We hope the legal process ends swiftly so that Wydad can refocus energy into football matters.”
With their proud president’s long-term position suddenly jeopardised, Wydad’s tightly-knit community has closed ranks and mobilised during an uncertain spell off the pitch.
