Ziyech leaves Wydad AC after contract termination

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

The Casablanca club confirmed the decision through an official statement shared on their social media platforms, ending Ziyech’s stay with the team.

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

The club acknowledged that Ziyech’s time did not last as long as initially expected, but highlighted the importance of his arrival and his time in the Wydad shirt.

“His experience may not have lasted as long as we expected, but wearing the Wydad shirt will always be a special moment and his presence among the club’s members will continue to be part of an unforgettable story,” the club added.

Wydad also thanked the 33-year-old for his contribution and highlighted his enduring place in the club family.

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

The club also highlighted that the impact of a player is not only measured by the years he spends at a club, but also by the memories and emotions he leaves among the fans.

“We at Wydad Nation thank you for every moment you wore 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 great enthusiasm for his return to Moroccan football. However, his time at the Casablanca club ultimately turned out to be shorter than expected.

Wydad concluded his message on an emotional note, saying: “Some journeys may come to an end, but Wydad remains in the heart. Thank you, Hakim, and good luck in what lies ahead.”

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 deal.

The situation worsened after Ziyech was excluded from 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 may have been taken to the relevant football authorities.

The two parties ultimately avoided a protracted legal dispute and reached an agreement to end their relationship by mutual consent.