Closure of Mohammed V complex disrupts Raja and Wydad, causing financial losses

Raja and Wydad fans are facing anger and concern following the decision to close the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, immediately after it hosted the match between Raja and Hassania Agadir in the fifth round of the Botola Pro. This closure is to allow for repairs to the pitch in preparation for the upcoming match between the Moroccan national team and their Niger counterpart, as part of the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations.

This decision will force the two clubs to temporarily stay away from their historic venue, which represents a key destination for their fans and an important source of revenue, at a time when both teams are facing fluctuations in results at the start of the current season, alongside financial commitments related to player and coach contracts and technical and administrative staff.

According to available data, Raja and Wydad are expected to suffer financial losses exceeding 10 million dirhams, as a result of being deprived of the revenues generated from their matches at the Mohammed V Complex, thanks to the large attendance that often exceeds 50,000 spectators, compared to the limited capacity of alternative stadiums.

This situation comes at a critical time for both clubs, which rely on match revenues to help cover their increasing expenses, placing their managements in front of the challenge of managing the upcoming phase and mitigating the repercussions of the closure, both financially and in terms of fan engagement.

Raja Casablanca will host Ittihad Tanger at the Arab Zaouli Stadium on November 8, as part of the seventh round of the professional league, according to the schedule announced by the National Professional Football League.

Wydad Athletic Club will face CF Tetouan at the same stadium on Saturday, October 31, 2026, starting at 6 PM, after the match was moved from the Mohammed V Complex due to its closure.

The effects of this decision are not limited to the financial aspect; they also include sporting aspects. Both teams will lose the advantage of playing in front of their fans in a stadium where they are accustomed to welcoming their opponents in exceptional atmospheres. This could affect their performance and results, especially given the pressures they are facing at the start of the season.

Raja face an additional challenge regarding crowd management at the Arab Zaouli Stadium, which has a capacity of only 15,000 spectators, compared to over 65,000 at the Mohammed V Complex. This difference poses difficulties in meeting the demands of fans, whether they are members, season ticket holders, or those wishing to purchase tickets.

The move to the alternative stadium raises questions about how to handle the subscriptions of Raja and Wydad fans, and whether the managements of both clubs will adopt special arrangements to ensure that holders can attend matches, while adhering to the stadium's capacity and entry organization procedures.

Fans of both teams hope that the matches of Raja against Ittihad Tanger and Wydad against Morocco Tetouan will be their last two outings away from the Mohammed V Complex during its closure, while waiting for both clubs to return to their usual home.