Hakim Ziyech has found himself at the centre of a bitter dispute with Wydad AC after the Moroccan club's new management excluded him from pre-season preparations. The international midfielder was left out of friendlies and training camps without warning, marking an unexpected turn in his relationship with the Casablanca-based club where he expected to continue his career without complications.
The tensions erupted when newly appointed club president Brahim El Assri began restructuring the squad's financial commitments. Wydad sought to renegotiate Ziyech's salary terms, but the playmaker refused to alter the agreement already in place. This fundamental disagreement over contract conditions triggered the club's decision to isolate him from the group, instructing him to train alone at the Mohamed Benjelloun complex rather than with his teammates during pre-season.
Public Clash and Legal Action
Ziyech did not accept the situation quietly. He broke his silence on Instagram with direct criticism aimed at El Assri, disputing claims about who ordered his exclusion and challenging the club's narrative. The dispute quickly escalated beyond the training pitch when Ziyech brought in a judicial officer to formally document his treatment at the club's facilities, a move that signalled his willingness to pursue legal remedies if negotiations failed.
The standoff between player and management has created tension within Ligue Pro, Morocco's top division. Wydad sources suggest the financial restructuring is part of a broader strategic realignment, though Ziyech's refusal to compromise has hardened positions on both sides. Club insiders have begun attempting mediation, recognising that an extended conflict could damage Wydad's sporting objectives and Ziyech's future prospects in African football.
Resolution remains uncertain as both parties maintain their positions. Senior figures at the club are pushing for direct talks between the player and El Assri to find middle ground and restore working relations before the situation becomes irreversible. With pre-season already underway, time is running short to resolve this contractual impasse and allow Ziyech to rejoin his teammates for the upcoming season.
