Allegations swirl as Karim Benzema faces claims of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, sparking controversy, political outcry, and potential consequences.
Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is facing serious allegations as France's Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin claims that the footballer has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a designated terrorist organisation in multiple nations, including Saudi Arabia.
On Sunday, the former France international took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to Gazan victims. “All our prayers for the habitants of Gaza, once again victims of these unfair bombings that spare neither women nor children,” he said.
France's Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin did not mince words when he asserted that Benzema "Has notorious ties, as we all know, with the Muslim Brotherhood." as per C News.
This statement comes in the wake of Benzema expressing solidarity with the victims of bombings in Gaza, a move that attracted criticism from European Parliament member Nadine Morano.
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Morano labeled the footballer an "agent of Hamas propaganda," setting the stage for a broader discussion on Benzema's affiliations.
Nadine Morano, a member of Les Republicains, previously embroiled in controversy for her remarks on race, condemned Benzema's comments on Gaza as promoting the propaganda of Hamas. The politician's strong stance is indicative of the polarised opinions surrounding the footballer's actions.
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In response to the allegations, Valérie Boyer, a French senator and member of Les Republicains, has gone a step further, calling for Benzema's French nationality and Ballon d'Or to be rescinded if Darmanin's claims are proven true.
Darmanin's entourage has sought to clarify the minister's comments, citing several factors contributing to the allegations against Benzema.
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These include the footballer's refusal to sing the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, his photograph with the Imam of Meaux, support for Russian MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, and attempts to spread religious messages on social media.
The Interior Minister's entourage suggests a perceived shift in Benzema's positions towards a more rigid interpretation of Islam, characteristic of the Muslim Brotherhood ideology.
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The controversy surrounding Benzema raises questions about the intersection of sports, politics, and religion.
The footballer, currently playing for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, finds himself at the center of a storm that could impact not only his reputation but also his future in the sport.