Soccer Sensation Karim Benzema Rocked by Shocking Allegations: Explosive Ties Revealed
Renowned French soccer star Karim Benzema, recipient of the prestigious 2022 Ballon d'Or award, faces a political storm during the Israel-Hamas conflict, with French Interior Minister accusing him of having connections to the Muslim Brotherhood
French soccer star Karim Benzema, renowned as one of the most prominent figures in French soccer, is currently embroiled in political controversy due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. On Monday, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin alleged that Benzema has affiliations with the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization classified as a terrorist group by France, during an interview with French outlet CNews.
In the televised interview, Darmanin revealed that 1,100 Islamist establishments have been shut down. Additionally, he expressed his notable concern regarding the suspected association between Mr. Benzema and the Muslim Brotherhood. Darmanin further emphasized that their efforts aim to combat the Muslim Brotherhood, which, according to political scientist Gilles Kepel, is responsible for fostering an atmosphere of jihadism.
Darmanin failed to present any substantiation for his assertions. CNN has contacted the French Interior Ministry to seek clarification regarding Darmanin's statements.
Before joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad this summer, Benzema had an outstanding record of winning the UEFA Champions League five times and scoring 354 goals for Real Madrid.
The striker, who is widely considered one of the greatest French players of all time, has made 97 appearances for France's men's national team, scoring 37 goals. He made his senior debut in 2007 and retired from international duty last year.
Darmanin's allegations come after Benzema expressed his support for Palestinians on Sunday amid Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, this conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 3,500 Palestinians. Israeli officials claim that their strikes in Gaza were in response to a large-scale terror attack carried out by Hamas rulers on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people in Israel.
Darmanin leaves following a cabinet meeting at the Ãlysée Palace in Paris, France.
Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters
"All our prayers go out to the people of Gaza, victims once again of unjust bombings that spare neither women nor children," Benzema wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
CNN has contacted Benzema to provide him with an opportunity to respond to Darmanin's remarks.
The Muslim Brotherhood, a religious and political organization, was established on the principle that Islam encompasses more than just a religious belief - it is a comprehensive way of living. The group promotes a shift from secularism and emphasizes the Quran's principles as the foundation for the well-being of families, communities, and nations.
The Muslim Brotherhood publicly disavows the use of violent methods to attain its objectives. Nevertheless, factions associated with the organization have been associated with past attacks, and critics accuse the Brotherhood of inciting turmoil in other parts of the Middle East. It is widely regarded as a precursor to contemporary militant Islamism. There is no evidence linking the Muslim Brotherhood to the recent Hamas attack on Israel.
In defiance of a contentious government-imposed prohibition on pro-Palestinian demonstrations, significant crowds of protesters swarmed the streets of Paris last week.
Darmanin announced the ban, stating concerns about public order. According to the minister, pro-Palestinian demonstrations pose a risk of disrupting public order and thus must be prohibited. He emphasized that organizing such protests would result in arrests. Additionally, Darmanin urged the police to safeguard places frequented by French Jews, including synagogues and schools. He further stated that any foreign individual engaging in anti-Semitic acts on French territory would face immediate expulsion.
During his appearance on French TV on Monday, Darmanin faced questioning about whether Benzema represents the essence of supporting the Palestinian cause, which may contrast with ongoing events. Darmanin responded by stating that it is possible to support the Palestinian cause and advocate for a Palestinian state without endorsing violence such as the targeting of Jewish children in kibbutzim. He further emphasized that individuals like Mr. Benzema, who possess a prominent platform, have a responsibility to denounce terrorist acts by Hamas when expressing their views on social media.
