2025 Club World Cup: FIFA Hits Wydad With Heavy Fine For Smoke Bomb Incident

2025 Club World Cup: FIFA Hits Wydad With Heavy Fine For Smoke Bomb Incident

Sampson Adedeji

Wydad Athletic Club has been slapped with a hefty fine following the use of smoke bombs by its supporters during the ongoing 2025 Club World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Despite already crashing out of the tournament, the Moroccan giants have been handed a $400,000 fine by FIFA for breaching stadium safety regulations.

The incident occurred during Wydad Casablanca’s second group stage match against Juventus, which ended in a 4-1 defeat for the North Africans at Audi Field in Washington.

During celebrations for Thembinkosi Lorch's goal Wydad's first in the competition red smoke bombs were ignited by fans in the stands.

Although the smoke did not interrupt the match, as it coincided with a scheduled cool-down break, thick fog lingered over the pitch for several minutes.

While the scene was widely circulated and admired on social media for its visual impact, tournament organizers viewed it as a clear violation of safety protocols.

FIFA, citing its strict regulations, imposed the $400,000 sanction, a considerable sum that significantly reduces the $9.55 million participation bonus allocated to African clubs in the tournament.