Overview
- The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner skipped Al-Ittihad's 2-2 draw with Al Fateh after rejecting a proposal he and his camp considered insulting.
- L'Équipe reported that the first concrete offer arrived only days before the transfer window closed and was sent by SPL director Michael Emenalo.
- People close to the player described the terms as akin to playing for free and detrimental to his image rights, prompting his withdrawal from selection.
- Al-Ittihad says it is not part of the negotiations and was only told Benzema did not feel psychologically ready to play, while coach Sérgio Conceição declined details and praised the forward.
- With his deal running to June, local reports indicate he could remain out and he is not expected to be available for the next match against Al-Najma.