In a television interview, the Interior Minister spoke of the champion’s ‘well-known’ links with the organisation that France considers to be terrorist. Nice defender Atal suspended for war post.
In an interview with CNews, France’s Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, made a severe accusation against Karim Benzema, the recipient of the Golden Ball award, by claiming that Benzema has affiliations with the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization classified as a terrorist group by France. Darmanin’s exact words were, “Mr. Karim Benzema is recognized for his links to the Muslim Brotherhood.”
The current titleholder, formerly a part of Real Madrid and now playing for Al Ittihad in the Saudi league, is a practicing Muslim. He recently expressed his support for the Palestinian population in their ongoing struggle against Israel and denounced the air attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Benzema, for his part, has vehemently denied any links to the Muslim Brotherhood, stating that he simply expressed solidarity with a fellow footballer who he believes has been unfairly treated by the FFF. He has called Darmanin’s accusations “ridiculous” and insisted that his only focus is on his football career.
⚠️🇫🇷- URGENT: #France accuses #Benzema of having links to a terrorist organization. #French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accused Karim Benzema of being linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, a transnational Islamic organization considered terrorist in France. pic.twitter.com/qUP3IzIzX2
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformantofc) October 17, 2023
Nice defender Atal receives suspension due to a post related to war
Youcef Atal has been suspended by Nice “until further notice” after he shared a social media post related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite promptly removing the post and issuing an apology, the club has decided to take immediate disciplinary action “before any action can be taken by the sporting and legal authorities.” Furthermore, the French prosecutor’s office has launched a preliminary investigation into Atal on charges of “apologia for terrorism” on Monday.
The French Football Federation has also weighed in on the matter, issuing a statement in support of Benzema and reiterating its commitment to combating discrimination and promoting inclusivity within the sport. However, the controversy shows no signs of abating, with tensions running high both within the footballing community and in wider society.
The accusations against Benzema come at a time of heightened scrutiny over issues of race, religion, and identity in France, with tensions exacerbated by recent terrorist attacks and debates over secularism and integration. In this charged climate, even the slightest hint of association with controversial groups or ideologies can have serious repercussions.
As Benzema prepares to return to action on the pitch, he will undoubtedly be hoping to put this latest controversy behind him and focus on what he does best: scoring goals and thrilling football fans around the world. However, the shadow cast by Darmanin’s accusations may linger, serving as a sobering reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by athletes in the modern era.
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