- Benzema’s lawyer denies allegations of his connection to the Muslim Brotherhood after Interior Minister Darmanin’s accusations based on a Gaza-related social media post.
- Senator Valerie Boyer suggests potential sanctions, including revoking French citizenship.
Karim Benzema’s attorney has responded to accusations by France’s Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, who alleged that the French football star had connections to the Muslim Brotherhood. Minister Darmanin made these allegations in response to Benzema’s social media post concerning the ongoing bombardment in Gaza.
In the post, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and former Real Madrid forward expressed his concern: “All our prayers are for the inhabitants of Gaza who are once again victims of these unjust bombings which spare no women or children.” Karim Benzema currently plays for the Saudi team Al Ittihad.
In an interview on the CNews Channel, Interior Minister Darmanin alleged that Karim Benzema “has a notorious link with the Muslim Brotherhood.” Benzema’s lawyer, Hugues Vigier, swiftly responded, stating, “This is false! Karim Benzema has never had the slightest relationship with this organisation.” He added, “We are once again witnessing an intolerable exploitation of Karim Benzema and the ‘symbolic figure’ that we like to make him,” Vigier remarked.
Following Darmanin’s remarks, Senator Valerie Boyer called for the revocation of Karim Benzema’s French citizenship if the claims were substantiated. She further stated, “A sanction, initially symbolic, would be to withdraw his Ballon d’Or. Finally, we must request forfeiture of nationality.” Boyer emphasized that a French dual national, especially one of international renown, should not be seen as dishonoring or betraying their country in such a manner.
Karim Benzema, aged 35, born in France to Algerian parents, has been a prominent figure in French football. After a distinguished career with Real Madrid, he joined a Saudi club on a lucrative three-year deal earlier this year. Despite his impressive achievements, he faced injuries that prevented him from participating in France’s World Cup campaign in Qatar, following his stellar 2021-22 season when he led Real Madrid to Champions League victory and was honored with the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player.
Interestingly Benzama is only French when he is scoring goals for France.
