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Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema found himself in hot water amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accused the French striker of having connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, a religious and political group that is considered a terrorist organisation in France. Darmanin’s accusation came after Benzema expressed his support to Gaza residents amid the ongoing war-like scenarios.
The French Interior Minister was in a conversation with the French outlet CNews on Monday, where he said, “We have closed 1,100 Islamist establishments. And in recent weeks, I’ve been particularly interested, Mr. Benzema is linked, we all know it, notoriously with the Muslim Brotherhood.” However, the minister didn’t provide any evidence to support the claims he made.
After his remarks, French Senator Valerie Boyer has asked for the footballer’s Ballon d’Or award to be stripped. Not only this, but he has also asked to terminate Benzema’s nationality. Boyer told MARCA, "If the statements of the Minister of the Interior are true, we must consider sanctions against Karim Benzema. An initially symbolic sanction would be to strip the Ballon d'Or from him. Finally, we must request the loss of nationality."
Karim Benzema to sue French minister for baseless accusations
Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema's lawyer Hugh Vigier said that the footballer will take legal action against the French minister for his baseless accusation. Vigier said that the footballer was considering filing lawsuits on grounds of manipulation of information, libel, and public insult. The lawyer added, "Darmanen's claims about Benzema's non-existent links to the Muslim Brotherhood are misleading and demeaning. I find it unacceptable for rulers to think they are allowed to do anything for political gain.”
Notably, Benzema played for Real Madrid before moving to Saudi side Al-Ittihad. The 35-year-old netted 37 goals in 97 games for France's national team before hanging up his boots from international football in December, last year.
