Benzema tells Al Ittihad he will not play as tensions grow over new deal | OneFootball

L’Équipe reports breakdown in extension negotiations

Benzema tells Al Ittihad he will not play as tensions grow over new deal

Karim Benzema reportedly refusing to play for Al Ittihad after talks over new contract broke down according to L’Équipe.

French striker Karim Benzema is facing major dispute with Al Ittihad after reportedly rejecting the club’s latest contract extension offer.

L’Équipe revealed on Thursday that the former Real Madrid star is unhappy with the current negotiations and has decided not to feature for the team during this period of tension.

Benzema joined the Saudi club in 2023 as a free agent after leaving Real Madrid ending legendary spell in Spain.

His current deal is set to expire in summer 2026 but discussions over renewal have not gone smoothly.

Refusal to play against Al Fateh

According to the French report, Benzema has already informed Al Ittihad that he will not take part in the club’s next match against Al Fateh highlighting the seriousness of the disagreement.

The situation is said to be linked to the financial terms presented in the latest offer which Benzema and his entourage believe do not reflect his status or achievements.

Offer seen as disrespectful

L’Équipe added that Benzema’s camp viewed the proposal, presented through Michael Emenalo the football director of the Saudi Pro League as disrespectful.

They reportedly felt the offer was so low that it was as if the former Ballon d’Or winner would be “playing for free”

League control over star contracts

The report also noted that Al Ittihad officials reportedly have limited influence in this matter as Emenalo is responsible for handling contract renewals for major foreign stars across the Saudi league.

That structure complicated the negotiations and left the club unable to directly manage the final decision.