فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In the seventh round of the Moroccan Professional Championship “Inwi” (Botola Pro) for the 2025/2026 season, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) unveiled referee appointments on October 30, 2025. Youssef Triki has been named the main referee for the Maghreb Fes (MAS) versus Olympic Safi (OCS) clash, scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2025, at Fes Stadium. Said Boujidi will serve as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), according to official confirmations, underscoring the Central Refereeing Committee’s commitment to ensuring integrity in crucial league fixtures.
This match forms part of a pivotal round marked by intense competition, with MAS aiming to solidify its top position and OCS seeking to improve its standing after a modest start. However, the appointments may spark debate over refereeing decisions, especially given the league’s history of protests regarding VAR interventions in previous rounds.
Match Background: A Competitive Encounter in the Heart of Moroccan Football
The game kicks off at 6:00 PM Moroccan time at Fes Stadium and will be broadcast live on Arryadia. MAS enters with a strong defensive record, holding an advanced spot in the standings after six rounds, bolstered by a historical 3-1 victory over Safi in the 2022 Throne Cup. Olympic Safi, meanwhile, looks to rebound with a focus on defensive strategies and counterattacks, drawing from past wins like a 1-0 triumph over MAS in 2011.
Statistics indicate no clear dominance in the last five head-to-heads, making this fixture decisive for the title race. The seventh round also features pressure on top clubs like Wydad AC (11 points) and AS FAR, while Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi remains winless.
Full Referee Appointments for Botola Pro Round 7
The refereeing directorate announced the official lineup, prioritizing international referees for quality management. Here is the complete schedule:
| Match | Main Referee | VAR Referee | Date and Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympique Dcheira vs. CODM Meknes | Mohsen Sordi | Abdelrahim Arakhid | October 31, Agadir Stadium |
| Kawkab Marrakech vs. Union Touarga | Jalal Jaid | Amin El Maataoui | October 31, El Harti Stadium, Marrakech |
| Ittihad Yaacoub El Mansour vs. Chabab Zamamra | Azzedine Boualfadel | Slimane El Atfi | November 1, 4:00 PM |
| Maghreb Fes vs. Olympic Safi | Youssef Triki | Said Boujidi | October 31, Fes Stadium |
| Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi vs. AS FAR | Mustapha El Kashaf | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Wydad AC vs. Ittihad Tanger | Mohamed El Houddri | Ayoub El Cherabi | November 2, Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca |
| FUS Rabat vs. Hassania Agadir | Idriss Ezine | Not Specified | Kenitra Stadium |
Team Histories: A Rivalry in the Moroccan League
Maghreb Fes is a historic club relying on solid defense to maintain its high ranking in the Botola Pro, with a positive record against Safi in royal tournaments. Olympic Safi focuses on strengthening its attack to re-enter contention, leveraging prior successes in direct matchups. This encounter comes amid a fiercely competitive round, where all teams vie for three points to advance in the 2025/2026 standings.
Refereeing Controversy: Ensuring Integrity in Moroccan Football
Youssef Triki, an international Moroccan referee, has officiated in continental tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations and is renowned for his precision in high-stakes games. Said Boujidi, recently appointed in key matches such as AS FAR vs. Hassania Agadir in Round 5, reflects the committee’s confidence in his VAR expertise. These selections align with growing calls to enhance fairness in the Botola Pro, particularly following past protests over referee calls, making VAR’s role critical in clashes like MAS vs. OCS.
Expected Impact: Large Crowd and Battle for the Top Spot
The match is anticipated to draw a significant crowd at Fes Stadium, directly influencing the leadership race in the professional league. In the broader Round 7 context, competition intensifies among clubs like Wydad and AS FAR, with refereeing playing a pivotal role in smooth proceedings. Experts suggest a MAS win could bolster its position, while a Safi victory offers a chance to climb into the tight circle.
This fixture provides both teams an opportunity to prove their strength in Moroccan football, with keen anticipation for refereeing decisions that could shape the round’s outcome.
