In a surprising development that has shaken Saudi football circles, reliable sports journalist Santi Ona revealed that French star Karim Benzema, captain of Al-Ittihad, has decided to abstain from participating in the crucial upcoming match against Al-Fateh in the Saudi Professional League. Ona explained that this shocking decision was not due to technical or physical reasons, but rather stemmed from a fundamental disagreement between the player and the club's management regarding the terms of his contract renewal.
Background of the crisis and its historical context
Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 from Real Madrid in a deal described as historic, as he arrived in Jeddah holding the title of best player in the world and the Ballon d'Or award. His transfer was part of the ambitious project undertaken by Saudi Arabia to attract top international stars to the Roshan League, and Al-Ittihad fans had high hopes that he would lead the team to retain the league title and compete strongly in continental tournaments. Despite scoring crucial goals, his first season was not without its challenges, as his relationship with previous coaches was strained, and the team's overall performance fluctuated, placing additional pressure on both the player and the club.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Benzema's decision comes at a critical time for Al-Ittihad, who are striving to improve their position in the league standings and secure a spot in next season's AFC Champions League. The absence of their captain and top scorer from a crucial match like the one against Al-Fateh not only weakens the team's attack but also casts doubt on the stability of the dressing room and the players' morale. Sources confirmed that the decision came directly from the player, who officially informed the management of his stance, putting the club in a difficult position with its fans and the media.
At the regional and international levels, this incident is particularly significant as it highlights the complex dynamics between Saudi clubs and the international stars they have attracted. How Al-Ittihad's management handles this crisis will be a true test of the organization's professionalism and its ability to manage the challenges associated with lucrative contracts and high-profile figures. This situation could also impact the reputation of the Saudi league as an attractive destination for stars in the future, as the world closely watches the developments of this ambitious sporting project. The future of Benzema's relationship with Al-Ittihad remains uncertain, pending the outcome of negotiations or decisive decisions from both parties in the coming days.
