Karim Benzema's crisis with Al-Ittihad: Refusal to play against Al-Fateh and details of the dispute
International press reports have revealed a major surprise within the corridors of the Saudi Al-Ittihad club, as they disclosed that veteran French striker Karim Benzema has refused to participate with his team in the anticipated match against Al-Fateh club, scheduled for today (Thursday) as part of the Saudi Professional League competitions.
According to the French network Foot Mercato, Benzema's decision to miss the match was not a coincidence or due to injury, but rather a direct and strongly worded message to the club's management. The network confirmed that the player personally informed club officials of his decision, expressing his deep dissatisfaction with the course of his contract renewal negotiations and the offer recently presented to him.
Details of the dispute: Unfulfilled promises
In a related development, the Spanish newspaper AS shed light on the behind-the-scenes details of the crisis, indicating that the relationship between the Ballon d'Or winner and Al-Ittihad, which began in the summer of 2023 amidst lavish celebrations resembling a perpetual honeymoon, has reached a dead end and a sharp break. The newspaper attributed the reason to what the French striker described as unfulfilled promises from the club's management.
Sources indicated that Al-Ittihad's management had previously promised Benzema a contract renewal with financial terms and benefits equal to or exceeding his current contract, in recognition of his stature and history. However, the reality was shocking for the player, as the new official offer included a significant and tangible reduction in his salary, which the French star considered a slight.
A feeling of disappointment and humiliation
The newspaper AS added that Benzema felt "insulted" after the meeting held on Wednesday evening, as he felt the offer showed a complete lack of respect for his illustrious career and his current position as team captain. The former Real Madrid star considered playing for such a meager financial return, compared to the management's promises, unacceptable, deepening his disappointment, especially since he sees himself as a pivotal element in Al-Ittihad's recent successes and his contribution to restoring the club's glory after a 25-year absence.
General context and the impact of the crisis on the team
This crisis comes at a very sensitive time for Al-Ittihad, a club striving to maintain its technical and administrative stability to compete strongly in the Saudi Professional League. Since his historic free transfer from Real Madrid, Karim Benzema has been one of the most prominent figures in the ambitious Saudi sports project, his arrival heralding a new era of attracting world-class stars.
The absence of a player of Benzema's caliber and influence from the Al-Fateh match is not only a technical loss on the field, but also casts a shadow over the dressing room and the team's overall stability. The French striker is not just a goalscorer; he is a leader with extensive experience gained from many years in European leagues, and Al-Ittihad fans rely heavily on him to spearhead the attack.
Potential repercussions for the player's future
This public dispute raises serious questions about the future of Benzema's relationship with Al-Ittihad. In the world of modern football, financial disagreements coupled with a feeling of being undervalued often mark the beginning of the end for star players and their clubs. Sports fans, both locally and internationally, are eagerly awaiting Al-Ittihad's response and how they will handle their star player's anger. Will they rectify the situation with a new offer that satisfies the club's ambitions, or will the coming days witness a new chapter of escalation that could lead to the player's departure from Saudi football?.
