Tensions escalate between Benzema and the federation
In a new development reflecting the depth of the crisis between French star Karim Benzema and the management of his club, Al-Ittihad, informed sources revealed that the player has notified the coaching staff, led by Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo, that he is not ready to participate in the team's upcoming match against Al-Najma, in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. According to the sources, this notification came as a surprise after the team's final training session, resulting in his official exclusion from the squad for the match, which will be held at Al-Inma Stadium.
This absence wasn't the first of its kind; rather, it comes as a continuation of ongoing controversy, as Benzema also missed the Al-Fateh match in the nineteenth round. Press reports link these absences to the ongoing disagreements between the player and the club's management regarding his future, and the failure to reach a mutually agreeable agreement on his continued stay, thus jeopardizing the future of the Ballon d'Or winner with Al-Ittihad.
Background to the move and high expectations
Karim Benzema's move to Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 was a sensational transfer on the global stage. He joined the Saudi league at the peak of his career after a legendary spell with Real Madrid, culminating in a Ballon d'Or award. His transfer was part of a massive sporting project undertaken by Saudi Arabia to attract top international stars and raise the level of competition and fan appeal of the league. Benzema carried the high hopes of Al-Ittihad fans, expecting him to lead the team to retain the league title and achieve continental success, especially after the team's impressive performance in the season prior to his arrival.
The potential effects of the crisis on various levels
The repercussions of this crisis extend far beyond the halls of Al-Ittihad Club, impacting the entire Saudi League. Domestically, the absence and inconsistent performance of a star of Benzema's caliber directly affect the team's technical performance and stability, increasing the pressure on the management and coaching staff. Regionally and internationally, any setback for a global star like Benzema attracts international media attention and could damage the reputation of the Saudi League as an attractive destination for top players. The global sports community is closely watching how Al-Ittihad's management handles this complex issue, given its potential impact on the image of Saudi sports and its ability to manage world-class talent. Currently, the club's management is working to contain the situation and resolve this matter definitively to ensure stability returns to the first team.
