Moroccan sports club Wydad Athletic has launched an examination of its financial records during the tenure of former president Hicham Ait Manna. The move comes as part of efforts to enhance transparency and accountability within the organization. A meeting was held between the club's management and members, during which concerns were raised regarding the financial situation of the club under Ait Manna's leadership.
Club members have demanded the freezing of Ait Manna's membership and his eventual removal from the club. This call for action follows allegations of financial irregularities during his presidency. In response, a joint committee has been established to investigate the club's financial transactions and obligations from the previous season. The committee will be assisted by financial and legal experts.
The committee aims to identify any potential discrepancies and provide recommendations for future action. This development is part of Wydad Athletic's efforts to address concerns regarding its financial management. The club's current president, Ibrahim Al-Asri, has pledged to work towards resolving the issue of the club's ban on signing new players.
Al-Asri has also announced plans to introduce a financial cap on future player signings. This move is intended to ensure that the club's spending is aligned with its financial capabilities. The club will focus on recruiting young talent from Africa, with plans to establish a network of scouts to identify potential players.
In terms of financial resources, Al-Asri has clarified that the club has not received any funds from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation or the National Professional Football League. This contradicts earlier reports suggesting that the club had received financial support from these organizations.
The club has also disclosed details of its commercial agreements, including a new sponsorship deal worth MAD 400 million. The deal, which runs until 2030, includes additional financial incentives tied to the club's sporting achievements. Furthermore, the club has agreed to a new equipment supply deal worth MAD 700 million per season.
Wydad Athletic has also invested in its infrastructure, including the development of a new sports hall for its basketball team. The hall, which will have a capacity of 3,500 spectators, is expected to be operational by September 2028. Additionally, the club plans to launch a branded merchandise store, Wydad Store, to sell official club products.
Key points
- Wydad Athletic launches investigation into financial records under former president Hicham Ait Manna.
- Club introduces financial cap on player signings to ensure sustainability.
- Wydad Athletic invests in infrastructure, including a new sports hall and merchandise store.
Reporting sources
- الوداد ينبش في دفاتر أيت منا المالية · Alakhbar
