Casablanca Ultras break their silence and justify boycott of derby clash

The day after a derby played without the legendary atmosphere of the stands, the Ultras groups of Wydad and Raja Casablanca have finally broken their silence. In a joint statement released this Monday, the Curva Nord and Curva Sud teams firmly and seriously explained the reasons for their absence from this major national football event.

A boycott decided in advance and maintained to the end

The groups revealed that they held several meetings prior to the match, culminating in a boycott decision. This decision was reinforced, they explained, by a meeting with the authorities, during which they reiterated their position. True to their policy, they deliberately maintained a media silence, "aware of the sensitivity of the situation" and with the aim of not further inflaming the already tense atmosphere in the city.

A rejection of institutionalized tinkering

Among the grievances raised, the chaotic management of the Mohammed V stadium renovation project is at the top of the list. The Ultras denounce "billions spent without tangible results," "repetitive superficial repairs," and "budget inflation without accountability." They point out that in eight years, the legendary stadium has been closed three times for renovations, without significant progress. Meanwhile, other cities have seen modern stadiums emerge in record time.

Restricted freedoms and unequal treatment

The groups also discuss the climate of repression they have experienced since the start of the season. Travel bans, arbitrary closed-door meetings, and disparities in treatment between cities fuel their sense of injustice. What they describe as "structural marginalization" also affects the city of Casablanca as a whole, which they say has been ignored in sports development policies.

A relegated economic capital

The Ultras point to a blatant disinterest in Casablanca, relegated to the background despite its historical and sporting importance. They deplore in particular the remoteness of the future stadium under construction in Ben Slimane, the poor local sports infrastructure, and the city's exclusion from major events such as the 2030 World Cup and the 2025 African Cup of Nations.

Condemnation of heavy sentences for supporters

Another source of anger: the sentences deemed excessive against young members of the ultra-violence movement, some receiving prison sentences of up to fifteen years, despite the absence of any victims. The groups claim to have been working for months to raise awareness and empower their members, and call for fairer and more humane handling of these cases.

Targeted media and political attacks

The statement strongly condemns the "smear campaigns orchestrated by certain media voices," accused of demonizing the ultra movement by presenting it as a public danger, while ignoring its positive actions and historical contribution to patriotic fervor.

A response to out of touch officials

Finally, the Ultras castigate the contemptuous statements of certain officials, particularly those stating that "those who don't like Casablanca can leave." They denounce a climate of general contempt for the clubs, their fans, and the city's history.

An act of resistance, not desertion

"Passion cannot be tamed," they conclude. This boycott is not an escape, but a strong signal to those who trivialize sporting and institutional failure. It's a reminder that the Casablancan public is not just a backdrop, but a major player in the Moroccan football scene.

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.