Tensions are rising in Saudi football circles after French media reports revealed a serious rift between global star Karim Benzema, winner of the 2022 Ballon d'Or, and the Saudi Professional League. The crisis stems from a contract renewal offer that the player and his entourage deemed "insulting," prompting him to make the surprising decision to suspend his participation with his club, Al-Ittihad, until further notice—a move that could jeopardize his future in the Kingdom.
Background to the ambitious deal and the Saudi project
This surprising development comes within the context of the ambitious sports project launched by Saudi Arabia, which aims to make the Saudi Professional League one of the strongest leagues in the world. Karim Benzema's transfer to Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 was one of the biggest and most symbolic deals, as he joined the league as the reigning world's best player. His arrival, along with other stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, formed a cornerstone of the Public Investment Fund's strategy to enhance the competition's technical and marketing value. It's worth noting that the contracts of these big-name players are centrally managed by the league, which explains why the league negotiated directly with Benzema rather than with Al-Ittihad's management.
Details of the offer that sparked the crisis
According to sources, Benzema, whose current contract expires next June, had received promises of a contract extension since last summer. However, the first official offer only arrived last Wednesday, just five days before the transfer window closed, from La Liga's sporting director, Michael Emenalo. According to the French website Foot Mercato, the offer was met with a firm rejection from the player, who described it as "offensive" and completely unworthy of the Al-Ittihad captain's stature. Those close to the player went so far as to describe it as akin to "playing for free," except for image rights, which was seen as disrespectful and a disregard for his significant contributions.
Expected local and international impacts
Domestically, Benzema's decision to step away represents a significant blow to Al-Ittihad and their new coach, Sergio Conceicao, who relies on him as the team's captain and top scorer, especially after he led them to a league and cup double last season. The French star is expected to miss Sunday's match against Al-Najma, and his participation in the highly anticipated clash against Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, eight days later remains highly doubtful.
On the international stage, this crisis could cast a shadow on the reputation of Saudi Arabia's sports project. At a time when the Kingdom is striving to attract the world's best talent, this incident may be seen as an indication of administrative challenges in dealing with big-name stars, potentially unsettling potential future targets. The situation remains unresolved, pending developments in the coming days, and whether the league will present a new offer to resolve the dispute and mend fences with one of its most prominent international players.
