Former Raja Club Athletic President Mohamed Boudrika Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

Casablanca – Mohamed Boudrika, the former president of Raja Club Athletic and ex-member of the Moroccan Parliament, has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Casablanca Criminal Court. The verdict, delivered on July 1, marks a dramatic fall from grace for the prominent sports and political figure.

The court found Boudrika guilty of fraud, forgery, and issuing cheques without sufficient funds. In addition to the prison sentence, he was ordered to pay MAD 664,000 in damages to the victims of his financial misconduct. The court also barred him from issuing cheques for one year.

Boudrika’s trial attracted widespread public attention, especially given his high-profile past and his involvement in Moroccan football. His tenure as president of Raja Club Athletic, one of Morocco’s most prestigious football clubs, had earned him a strong following. However, his later political career and legal troubles have cast a shadow over his reputation.

During the proceedings, Boudrika denied all charges, asserting that the case was built solely on the complainant’s verbal statements and lacked concrete evidence. “The judge has based the case entirely on claims without providing any solid proof,” he reportedly said during the final hearing. Despite his defense, the court ruled against him, citing sufficient grounds for conviction.

Adding to his legal woes, Boudrika was previously implicated in the *Qatar 2022 World Cup ticket scandal*. He was allegedly involved in a scheme where complimentary tickets allocated to Moroccan fans were diverted and resold on the black market. While that case remains under separate investigation, it has further damaged Boudrika’s public image.

His legal troubles began in earnest when he was arrested in Germany in July 2024 under an international arrest warrant. Following months of legal proceedings, German authorities approved his extradition, and he was returned to Morocco in April 2025 to stand trial.

The fallout from Boudrika’s conviction has resonated throughout both political and sports communities in Morocco. Once seen as a rising figure who bridged the worlds of football and governance, his conviction highlights growing concerns over accountability and corruption within public and sporting institutions.

Observers say the case sets a precedent for how legal authorities may pursue future allegations involving public figures. For many Moroccans, it’s a signal that no one is above the law — regardless of status or popularity.

As Boudrika begins serving his sentence, questions remain about the broader implications for Moroccan sports governance and the unresolved elements of the World Cup ticket scandal. For now, the former football boss and MP faces a stark new reality behind bars.