Karim Benzema’s Tardiness Sparks Ire at Al-Ittihad: What’s Next for the Star Striker?

Late Arrival Ruffles Feathers at Al-Ittihad

Star striker Karim Benzema has returned to Saudi club Al-Ittihad, but his 17-day tardiness has left club officials “furious.” Despite the ire, there’s no indication that the former Real Madrid player will terminate his contract this month.

Speculations Amid Late Arrival

Amid the late return, speculations have arisen linking Benzema with European clubs. The 36-year-old, who left for holidays during the Saudi Pro League’s mid-season break three weeks ago, raised eyebrows by shutting down his Instagram account, boasting 76 million followers.

Holiday Revelations and Return

Sources reveal that Benzema spent his holiday in Mauritius until Monday, arriving back 17 days later than scheduled. The club, irked by the lack of communication, plans a meeting with the board to discuss the incident and chart the future course.

Club’s Discontent and Future Discussions

Club management and the coach are reportedly furious with the unfolding situation. While the source confirms Benzema remains the captain of Al-Ittihad, discussions about the events and potential consequences will be on the table in the upcoming meeting.

No Exit Option for Benzema

Despite the tension, there’s “no option” for Benzema to leave the club, according to sources. Reports circulating about a potential move to Premier League side Chelsea remain unconfirmed. The situation highlights the challenges faced by high-profile players in foreign leagues.

Benzema’s Role and Previous Setbacks

Benzema was one of the marquee signings in the Saudi league last year, joining the ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Neymar, and other European football stars. However, his club’s performance slipped to seventh in the league in December after three consecutive defeats, leading to discontent among supporters.

League Dynamics and Resumption Date

The Saudi league, where Al-Ittihad is owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, is set to resume on February 7. The late arrival saga adds an intriguing layer to the league dynamics and raises questions about the impact on Al-Ittihad’s upcoming matches.

In conclusion, Benzema’s delayed return has ignited controversy and discussions about his future at Al-Ittihad. The meeting with the club board is anticipated to provide clarity on the path forward for both the star striker and the Saudi club.

Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid - Editor Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid joins "To The Sports News" as an Editor, bringing a decade of comprehensive journalistic experience to our team. A respected Pakistani journalist, he has dedicated his career to covering a wide array of global issues across the world, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex subjects and a commitment to detailed reporting. Mr. Wahid has a background working with prominent print and electronic media organizations, including Channel Five TV, the newspaper "Khabrain," The Nation/Nawa-i-Waqt, NNI, Daily Sama, City 42, Star Asia, Waqt News, Daily The Business, and Daily The Khabrain. His work has covered areas such as Environment, Health, and Sports. He is also a member of the Lahore Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ), highlighting his dedication to journalistic standards and diverse reporting. His academic background includes a BS Honors degree in Sociology and an MPhil from Punjab University, alongside a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sargodha. Furthermore, Mr. Wahid is a Ph.D. candidate in Journalism at Complutense University of Madrid, and has contributed to research on topics including the relationship of sports participation with achievement, motivation, and innovation traits among university students, and the effects of parental involvement on student participation in sports. With his extensive experience in covering diverse topics and his keen analytical skills, Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid is poised to lead our sports news coverage with depth, accuracy, and insightful perspectives, ensuring our readers receive top-tier journalistic content.

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