# Wydad Casablanca player contract and transfer issues

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wydad-casablanca-player-contract-and-transfer-issues
> Updated: 2026-09-05T19:23:41.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 5.

Wydad Casablanca has officially announced the mutual termination of Hakim Ziyech’s contract, ending a period of tension involving financial disagreements and disciplinary disputes. In an emotional statement, the club thanked the Moroccan international, noting that despite his tenure being shorter than expected, he remains part of the “Wydad family.”

The separation follows reported tensions between the 33-year-old player and club president Ibrahim El Asri, involving disputes over salary reductions and Ziyech being sidelined from training and matches.

Following his departure, Ziyech has become a free agent, allowing him to finalize a move to the Brazilian club Botafogo without a transfer fee. While negotiations had previously hit a setback due to the player's concerns regarding the quality of playing surfaces in Brazil—a concern reportedly raised during discussions with compatriot Zakaria Labyad—an agreement is nearing completion. Botafogo is reportedly offering a contract for approximately two seasons to bolster its squad, which currently sits in 13th place in the Brazilian league, aiming to leverage Ziyech’s experience at top European clubs like Ajax and Chelsea.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Hakim Ziyech leaves Wydad Casablanca to join Botafogo

Hakim Ziyech has mutually terminated his contract with Wydad Casablanca and is set to join Brazilian club Botafogo on a free transfer.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/botafogo-negotiates-for-hakim-ziyech-amid-pitch-quality-concerns

### 2026-09-02: Hakim Ziyech involves legal representative in Wydad Casablanca dispute

Hakim Ziyech has brought a judicial officer to Wydad Casablanca training to document his status amid a contract dispute and refusal to accept a salary reduction.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hakim-ziyech-involves-legal-representative-in-wydad-casablanca-dispute

### 2026-08-31: Hakim Ziyech enters dispute with Wydad AC over team exclusion

Moroccan footballer Hakim Ziyech and Wydad AC are in a dispute following his exclusion from team activities and training camps, amid allegations of non-compliance with club regulations.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hakim-ziyech-enters-dispute-with-wydad-ac-over-team-exclusion

### 2026-08-22: Hakim Ziyech's future at Wydad AC remains uncertain amid Gulf offers

Hakim Ziyech’s future at Wydad AC remains uncertain as negotiations over his salary continue. The club has received transfer offers from Bahrain and the UAE amid efforts to restructure his contract.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hakim-ziyechs-future-at-wydad-ac-remains-uncertain-amid-gulf-offers

### 2026-08-21: Wydad Casablanca faces transfer rumors and salary challenges

Riyad Mahrez has dismissed rumors of a move to Wydad Casablanca via social media, despite reports of interest from the Moroccan club. Wydad also faces financial scrutiny over Hakim Ziyech's high salary.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wydad-casablanca-faces-transfer-rumors-and-salary-challenges

---
Cite as: Wydad Casablanca player contract and transfer issues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wydad-casablanca-player-contract-and-transfer-issues