New Controversy in Tangier Following Provocative Post by Mohammed El Cherkaoui on the “Padel Issue”
The political landscape in Tangier has seen significant reactions following a Facebook post by Mohammed El Cherkaoui, former president of the Tangier city district and the former president of Ittihad Tangier football club. Many observers interpreted the post as a direct message to the city’s mayor amid the ongoing media saga known as the “Padel Case.”
El Cherkaoui, known for his repeated criticisms of the local council’s policies in recent months, made a striking Facebook post stating that “the days will reveal the truth.” He added that he possesses “serious documents” — as he put it — but prefers not to disclose them “to avoid any legal actions against him.”
This post generated considerable public response, with many followers viewing it as a clear reference to the controversy surrounding the padel court that has sparked intense debate over licensing conditions and management practices. Despite the escalating accusations and criticisms, neither the Tangier municipality nor the mayor has issued any official statement clarifying their stance on El Cherkaoui’s remarks.
Conversely, some voices within the city have called for the public prosecutor to listen to El Cherkaoui to understand the nature of the documents he mentioned, especially since the situation has seen further developments, including a lawsuit filed by eight residents from the area adjacent to the project, arguing that its establishment was conducted under inappropriate conditions.
Earlier, a mixed field committee formed by the region’s wali had recommended demolishing the padel court and suspending its operations until its legal status is resolved. This contrasted with the municipality’s narrative, which released a video asserting that the project has all necessary legal permits, backed by decisions from the municipality, urban agency, and local authorities.
It is worth noting that the Tangier urban agency had previously communicated to the regional wali last summer, pointing to an “illegal signature” related to the project, a message that some interpreted as a referral for the authorities to take appropriate measures, particularly regarding urban violations and encroachments on green spaces.
