Contested by members and the public, the president of Wydad of Casablanca, Abdelmajid Bernaki, announced, Thursday, June 27, his resignation from the presidency of the club. Exactly one week before a crucial elective general assembly, the club is falling back into uncertainty, amid deep differences over the management of the transitional phase.
Ultimately, Bernaki, elected on March 29, only lasted three short months at the head of Wydad. Called in to replace Saïd Naciri, who has been incarcerated in a complex legal case since December 22, 2023, Bernaki had no illusions from the first days. He quickly understood that his time there would be short-lived, especially since the poor results did not speak in his favor.
For several years, this is the first time that Wydad, 4th in the Botola Pro-1 and eliminated from the Coupe du Trône, has not participated in a continental competition. Pressed by very upset supporters and personalities frustrated by the distressing situation of the club, he called, in mid-June, for an election to choose a new president.
Having difficulty supporting the campaigns on social networks and the incendiary media outings of his detractors, he ended up slamming the door, even though he had promised to hold the helm until the general assembly. His resignation did not surprise many people, but his timing only darkens the image of a prestigious club that has fallen heavily from its pedestal, after a decade of glory on the national and African scenes.
The old demons are therefore catching up with Wydad of Casablanca, which has long remained sheltered from the managerial and financial instability which undermines most Moroccan clubs. In the wake of Bernaki’s departure, disputes over the interpretation of the statutes and regulations will take place in the public arena in the coming days. A classic for football clubs, especially in a city like Casablanca.
A source close to the steering committee told Barlamanesport.com that members are at loggerheads over the legal arrangements for managing the July 3 election. One faction is prioritizing holding a general assembly to approve new members and setting up a committee to prepare for the elective assembly in 15 days.
Another camp favors the designation of Khalid Hassa, the deputy to the president, for an interim role and the installation of businessman Hicham Aït Menna as deputy president of the football section to immediately begin preparation for the next season, especially since he is the big favorite to replace Bernaki.
A former club president, Taieb Fechtali, has entered the arena and offered to meet with the board of directors in order to reach a consensual formula on the legal aspects. The aim is to ward off possible appeals against the election result, which risk thwarting the interests of Wydad.
Five personalities have officially submitted their candidacies, namely Hicham Aït Menna, Karam Nassik, Anas Korami, Saad Allah Yassine and Atef Touz. All things considered, Aït Menna seems to have the favor of the supporters, who already appreciated his love for the club, which he proudly displayed even when he was at the head of Chabab Mohammedia.
