The adventure of Wydad Casablanca at the 2025 club World Cup turned short: tois games, three defeats, zero point … and one last place. But beyond sporting failure, it is the financial assessment that worries on the side of the Moroccan club.
According to several sources close to the club, President Aït Menna would have spent nearly 7 million euros to strengthen the workforce before the tournament, recruiting massively from the transfer window in June. The problem ? Most of these recruits have only signed for three small games …
A risky sports bet, at high cost
The Wydad was counting on this club World Cup to restore its international coat of arms and enhance its players on the market. In return, FIFA guaranteed a participation premium set at $ 9.55 million for each African club. But on the ground, nothing went as planned.
Defeated successively by Manchester City (0-2), Juventus (1-4) then Al Ain (1-2), the Reds leave competition without glory. Sportingly exceeded, the club Moroccan will never have found the right formula. The massive investment in the reinforcements did not have the expected effect, leaving an impression of unlike and waste.
$ 400,000 for a few minutes of smoke
As if that were not enough, FIFA sanctioned the Wydad a fine of $ 400,000 for smokes in the match against Juventus. Red smoke bombs have been lit by supporters in Washington, at Audi Field, to celebrate Lorch's goal, first and only the club's achievement in this competition.
FIFA applied its regulations firmly. But this sanction increases a little more the bill for a tournament which turns to the economic abyss. By combining initial investments and this penalty, the Wydad has already spent more than 7.3 million euros out of the expected 9.5 million. Or more than 75% of the participation premium already consumed.
A glimmer of hope despite everything?
Despite this worrying observation, management is reassuring. Questioned by us on the sidelines of the tournament, Club Managing Director, Youssef Debbagh, wanted to qualify:
“Our vision is to build a structured, stable club, which succeeds beyond people. Part of the income will go to the sanitation of our financial situation. »»
The manager had also specified that the remaining funds will be used to strengthen priority sites: training of young people, modernization of infrastructure, commercial development … So many axes which could allow the Wydad to capitalize in the long term, despite a 2025 World Cup which will leave a bitter taste.
