An off-field Derby: Raja takes legal action against Wydad president Aït Manna

Editor Note: This article is a translation from the original written in French by Pan-Africa Football's Omar Chraibi

In the early morning, Moroccan sports public opinion woke up in shock after a radio appearance that was controversial to say the least. Invited to a morning show, the president of Wydad, Hicham Aït Manna, took the opportunity to ease tensions around Wydad's controversial clash against AS FAR earlier this season, particularly after the incident where Wydad coach Rulani Mokwena protested against stones being thrown at his players.

This conciliatory speech seems to have borne fruit since the leaders of AS FAR announced that they would not file a complaint against Wydad nor against the statements of coach Mokwena.

However, Aït Manna quickly deviated from this soothing tone by declaring that AS FAR deserved to be champion last season. A remark which, although indirect, was clearly aimed at reigning champions and Wydad rivals Raja CA. This comment did not fail to provoke a wave of reactions, reigniting tensions between the two great rivals of Moroccan football.

This verbal slip-up promises to prolong the rivalry between the clubs beyond the field, with potential consequences before sporting and legal authorities. The president of Moroccan football club Wydad, Hicham Aït Manna, said last season's championship title, won by Raja Club Athletic, was “stolen” from the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) club.

These comments were deemed unacceptable by Raja, who considers that they undermine the integrity of Moroccan football and its reputation. The club issued an official statement to denounce these statements, affirming that they are contrary to the ethical rules established by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

In reaction, Raja filed a complaint against Hicham Aït Manna with the ethics commission of the FRMF, the National Professional Football League, and also plans to refer the matter to the judicial authorities.

This is a new controversy in the already very intense rivalry between the two major Moroccan clubs, Raja and Wydad.