The Moroccan coach, now in charge of South African side Orlando Pirates, used the statement to defend former club president Amadou Diaby, insisting he should not be held responsible for the dispute.
CAS Ruling Confirmed
CAS found that AS Vita Club unilaterally terminated Ouaddou’s contract on 11 January 2024 without just cause. The tribunal ordered the club to pay:
- €157,000 in unpaid salaries and bonuses
- Approximately €1,977 in flight ticket expenses
- €453,250 in compensation for wrongful termination
The total award stands at just over €612,000.
Ouaddou Defends Diaby
In his statement, Ouaddou made clear that Diaby “should not be blamed” for the case. He said the former president had honoured his commitments, personally invested more than $2 million into the club, and possessed a clear vision to rebuild AS Vita Club.
Ouaddou also revealed the difficult conditions he faced during his time in Kinshasa. He claimed he went six months without salary, while still covering the cost of team equipment, footballs, players’ flights and food from his own pocket. He said he prioritised ensuring the players received their wages.
Broader Call for Better Governance
Beyond the personal settlement, Ouaddou pointed to deeper problems in African football. He called for stronger legal, administrative, financial and communications structures at clubs to prevent similar cases arising in future.
The statement comes as Ouaddou continues his work with Orlando Pirates in the South African Premier Soccer League, having previously guided Vita Club to the Coupe du Congo title during his spell in the Democratic Republic of Congo.