Karim Benzema has decided to boycott Al-Ittihad’s matches indefinitely due to a “humiliating” offer presented by the club’s management to the French star to renew his contract, which expires at the end of the current season.
Everyone was surprised by Benzema’s absence from Al-Ittihad’s trip to Al-Ahsa to face Al-Fateh on Thursday. Despite Saudi reports claiming the decision was technical due to fatigue, French newspapers confirmed that the player himself requested to be absent from the match due to disagreements with the management.
The 37-year-old received a promise from Al-Ittihad’s management last summer that his contract would be renewed. However, the Saudi officials kept stalling and only presented him with their first offer a few days ago, which initially strained the relationship between the two parties.
According to the newspaper L’Équipe, Benzema feels disrespected after seeing Al-Ittihad’s offer, which essentially means he will receive no salary and play for free, except for 100% of his image rights.
Benzema successfully led Al-Ittihad back to the top of the domestic league after guiding them to a domestic double last season. He enjoys immense popularity among fans and players alike, so he expected appreciation from the club’s management, not such a humiliating free transfer offer.
Al-Ittihad officials cannot improve their offer, as the matter currently rests with the Saudi Pro League, specifically regarding the financial support available in the transfer market. Therefore, negotiations with Benzema will remain frozen until further notice.
Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 from Real Madrid. Since then, he has played 83 matches across all competitions, scoring 54 goals and providing 17 assists.
