The Orlando Pirates tactician was awarded more than €600,000 following a lengthy legal battle over the termination of his contract.
According to HESPRESS English – Morocco News, CAS found that AS Vita Club had dismissed Ouaddou without just cause. The ruling orders the Congolese club to settle outstanding payments, contractual bonuses and compensation for the unlawful termination.
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ABDESLAM OUADDOU WINS CAS CASE
The award totals more than €600,000 (just under R12 million) and is made up of:
- €157,000 (approximately R3.12 million) in outstanding salaries and contractual bonuses.
- €1,977 (approximately R39,200) for travel expense reimbursement.
- €453,250 (approximately R9 million) as compensation for the unjustified termination of his contract.
Ouaddou was relieved of his duties by AS Vita Club in January 2024 before filing a complaint with CAS in November that year.
The tribunal ruled in his favour, confirming the club had ended his contract without valid grounds.
ORLANDO PIRATES COACH’S RISE CONTINUES
Before arriving at Orlando Pirates, Ouaddou endured a difficult spell at AS Vita Club, where internal instability, unpaid wages and logistical problems disrupted his time in charge.
He moved to Marumo Gallants in March 2025, inheriting a side battling relegation in the Betway Premiership. The former Morocco international immediately transformed the team’s fortunes, recording five wins, four draws and three defeats in 12 matches to secure survival with a 10th-place finish.
He also guided Gallants to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, narrowly missing out on a place in the final before leaving the club after contract negotiations failed to produce an agreement.
His impressive work quickly attracted the attention of Orlando Pirates. The Soweto giants appointed him as head coach on 23 June 2025 following the departure of Jose Riveiro.
The CAS ruling now hands Ouaddou a significant financial boost. Meanwhile he continues preparing Orlando Pirates for another challenging Betway Premiership campaign.
