Ziyech Departs Wydad Casablanca After Contract Termination

Wydad Casablanca have officially reached an agreement with Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech to terminate his contract by mutual consent, the club announced on Sunday.

The Casablanca-based club confirmed the decision through an official statement shared on its social media platforms, bringing an end to Ziyech’s time with the team.

“Sometimes, some stories are shorter than we wished, but they leave an unforgettable mark,” Wydad said in its statement (via Morocco World News).

The club acknowledged that Ziyech’s spell did not last as long as initially hoped but highlighted the significance of his arrival and his time wearing the Wydad jersey.

“Your experience may not have lasted as long as we had hoped, but wearing the Wydad jersey will always remain a special moment, and your presence among the club’s members will remain part of an unforgettable story,” the club added.

Wydad also thanked the 33-year-old for his contribution and emphasized his lasting place within the club’s family.

“You were one of us, and you will always remain part of the Wydad family,” the statement read.

The club further stressed that a player’s impact is not measured only by the number of years spent at a club, but also by the memories and emotions they leave among supporters.

“From the Wydad Nation, we thank you for every moment you carried the club’s jersey and wish you every success in the next chapter of your career, both on and off the pitch,” Wydad said.

Ziyech joined Wydad amid significant excitement surrounding his return to Moroccan football. However, his stint with the Casablanca club ultimately proved shorter than expected.

Wydad concluded its message on an emotional note, saying: “Some journeys may come to an end, but Wydad remains in the heart. Thank you, Hakim, and best of luck in what comes next.”

The termination opens the door for Ziyech to consider his next move, with the Moroccan international now a free agent.

Background
Ziyech’s departure comes after a period of growing tension between the Moroccan international and Wydad’s new management. The dispute reportedly centered on his contract and salary, with the club seeking a reduction while Ziyech maintained his position on the existing agreement.

The situation escalated after Ziyech was left out of a match against Renaissance Zemamra and subsequently excluded from Wydad’s training camp in Agadir. He was also reportedly instructed to train separately at the Mohamed Benjelloun complex.

Ziyech later brought a bailiff to the training complex to document his situation, amid reports that the dispute could have been taken to the relevant football authorities.

The two sides eventually avoided a prolonged legal dispute and reached an agreement to end their relationship by mutual consent.