Ouaddou’s R11.5 Million Payday: Two Years Later, AS Vita Still Faces Pressure Over Unpaid Compensation

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is approaching another significant milestone in his long-running financial dispute with former club AS Vita, as the battle over outstanding compensation continues to attract attention in African football.

The Moroccan tactician's legal battle dates back to November 2024, when he formally lodged a claim against the Congolese giants following the termination of his contract. Almost two years later, the matter has progressed through the relevant football authorities, with a significant ruling delivered in his favour.

Ouaddou had challenged AS Vita's decision to terminate his contract, arguing that the club had failed to honour its contractual obligations. The dispute eventually reached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ruled in May 2026 that the Congolese outfit had terminated his agreement without legitimate cause.

In a major development, CAS ordered AS Vita to pay the former coach a total of €612,227.30, covering outstanding salaries, bonuses, expenses and compensation for the termination of his contract.

The amount includes €157,000 in unpaid salaries and contractual bonuses, €1,977.30 in travel expenses and a further €453,250 in compensation for the dismissal.

The award represents a substantial financial victory for Ouaddou, who had spent considerable time pursuing what he believed was rightfully owed to him.

However, securing a favourable legal judgment has not necessarily translated into receiving the money.

According to reports published in July 2026, Ouaddou informed CAS that AS Vita had not implemented the ruling. This prompted further action, with the sporting tribunal placing additional pressure on the Congolese club to fulfil its financial obligations.

CAS also ordered AS Vita to contribute towards the legal and arbitration costs, including an additional CHF3,000 in legal expenses.

The developments have raised further questions about when the former Orlando Pirates coach will finally receive the compensation awarded to him.

For now, the situation remains a matter between Ouaddou and his former employers, with no indication that the dispute is affecting his responsibilities at Orlando Pirates.

The Moroccan coach has continued concentrating on his work in South Africa, where he is leading the Buccaneers through another demanding campaign.

With the two-year anniversary of his November 2024 claim approaching, attention will remain on whether AS Vita finally complies with the CAS ruling.

For Ouaddou, the legal battle may have produced a favourable outcome, but the biggest question remains whether the money will eventually reach his account.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2116115609343664326?a=UQL2hlx1LSVFchFmVT4&s=19