By Sylvester Jallah
Liberia international William Jebor could face FIFA ban if it’s proven that he previously agreed to a three-year deal with Wydad Casablanca before his reported move to Saudi Arabia.
Supporters of Wydad learned with astonishment that the club top scorer in the Botola has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nasr, when fans were awaiting the return of the striker from his home country where he had gone to attend his mother’s funeral.
A daily newspaper, Al Massage, reported on its sports page on July 11, 2017 that Jebor has sealed a US$3.4 million deal with Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr.
But WAC chairman Saïd Naciri remains adamant, insisting the Rio Ave player had extended his loan stay with the club by three years.
Wydad’s President has assured fans of the club that he would defend WAC interest.
Jebor’s departure comes at the time Wydad fans are celebrating the team qualification to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals, where the Moroccans champion is expected to face South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns; club side of former Lone Star Captain, Anthony Laffor.
The Liberian’s last match with WAC, date back to June 4th against Egyptian giant Al Ahly at the Borg El Arab Stadium near Alexandria in the Champions’ League group stage.
If Jebor’s absence from the return leg fixture against Al Ahly was justified, his repeated absences against Cotton Sport of Cameroon and FC Zanaco last Saturday pushed Wydad supporters to ask questions.
The striker was forced to pull out of the match with Al Ahly less than 24 hours to kickoff, when he received news of his mother’s death.
William Jebor made 34 appearances for Wydad Casablanca since joining the club on loan from Portuguese Primeira Liga side Rio Ave in 2016, scoring 23 goals.
Jebor is the second Liberian to be an Africa Footballer of the year nominee, after George Weah who won the continent most prestigious individual award three times, 1989, 1994 and 1995.
Jebor is also the only Liberian footballer to score a hat-trick more than once with the senior national team in an international tournament – against Guinea Bissau and Djibouti.