Former AS Vita Club head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has issued a detailed statement following the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that ordered the Congolese giants to pay him more than €650,000 in compensation for wrongful termination and unpaid wages.
In a notable move, Ouaddou absolved former club president Amadou Diaby of any responsibility for the dispute, insisting that the Mauritanian football administrator should not be blamed for the outcome of the case.
According to Ouaddou, Diaby fulfilled his obligations during his tenure and demonstrated significant personal commitment to the club’s development.
“Amadou Diaby honored his commitments and invested over $2 million of his own resources into AS Vita Club. He had a clear vision to rebuild the club,” Ouaddou stated.
The Moroccan coach used the moment to shed light on the financial challenges he faced during his time in charge, revealing that he went six months without receiving a salary. Despite this, he claims to have continued supporting the team using his own funds.
“I personally paid for essential needs, including equipment, footballs, players’ flights, and even food, while prioritizing the payment of players’ wages,” he disclosed.
The CAS ruling, while resolving the contractual dispute, has also exposed broader concerns about the management structures within African club football. Ouaddou emphasized that the issue goes beyond one club or individual, pointing instead to systemic weaknesses.
“This situation reflects deeper governance challenges in African football. There is an urgent need to strengthen legal, administrative, financial, and communication frameworks within our clubs,” he said.
Ouaddou believes that without these reforms, similar disputes will continue to emerge, potentially damaging the reputation and financial stability of clubs across the continent.
The case has sparked renewed debate about professionalism and accountability in African football administration, with Ouaddou’s remarks adding a critical voice calling for long-term structural change.
