Ait Mena's Board Defies Warnings, Opens Membership Amid "Delayed Departure," Raising Suspicions

The decision by Wydad Athletic Club's managing board, led by Hicham Ait Mena, to open applications for new memberships, has reportedly not been well-received within the club's community, amid escalating controversy regarding its timing and underlying motives.

This move comes despite explicit warnings previously issued by Wydad members. In their statements, they highlighted the danger of any "suspicious" membership drive that could be exploited to influence the electoral landscape during a sensitive period for the club.

The controversy is further fueled by the fact that this step originates from a board that has officially announced its intention to step down during the upcoming electoral general assembly. This has raised questions about the practicality of opening membership applications at this particular juncture and its consistency with the principle of neutrality required during a transitional phase.

Members view this action at this time as a clear defiance of their previous stances, which called for regulating the membership process and avoiding any "mass enrollments" that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process and perpetuate existing dynamics within the club.