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Join on Telegram Rabat – France’s Minister of the Interior Gerald Darmanin has accused former Real Madrid player Karim Benzema of having ties with the “Muslim Brotherhood” after he expressed support for Palestine amid the ongoing, increasingly alarming Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.
Darmanin made the statement in a television interview with CNews, saying that the Algerian-French player “has notorious links with the Muslim Brotherhood,” French media reported.
Days ago, Benzema, who currently plays for Saudi club Al Ittihad, posted a message of support for Palestine. “All our prayers for the inhabitants of Gaza who are once again victims of these unjust bombings that do not spare women and children,” the footballer said.
In the wake of Darmanin’s accusations, Benzema has faced a wave of criticism, including from French senator Valerie Boyer.
Boyer has urged for severe repercussions against Benzema if Darmanin’s allegations are confirmed, including the revocation of his French citizenship and the Ballon d’Or he won a year ago.
“If the statements made by the Minister of the Interior are true, we must consider sanctions against Karim Benzema. An initial symbolic sanction would be to strip him of the Ballon d’Or. Finally, we must request the loss of nationality,” she said.
The senator emphasized that France cannot tolerate a dual French national, who is internationally recognized, “dishonoring and even betraying his country in this way.”
Many football players expressing support for Palestine and condemning Israel’s offensive in Gaza have faced unwarranted backlash and harassment.
This includes Moroccan footballer Noussair Mazraoui, who plays for German club Bayern Munich. He was harassed by both German media outlets and his club for his pro-Palestine stance.
In addition, French club Nice suspended its Algerian player Youcef Atal after he voiced his support for Palestine and condemned Israel’sattacks on Gaza.
