Setbacks follow Benzema after leaving Al-Hilal

A global company specializing in sportswear and equipment has canceled an advertising photoshoot featuring Frenchman Karim Benzema, former Al-Hilal striker, after reviewing his background.

The photoshoot was scheduled in London on Thursday, September 24, as part of an advertising campaign in collaboration with a British brand, before the player's team was informed of the project's cancellation and requested that he not travel.

Reports indicate that the company's decision followed an extensive review of Karim Benzema's background, despite negotiations between the two parties reaching advanced stages.

Sources have clarified that the cancellation of the photoshoot does not reflect a broader commercial relationship with Karim Benzema, as the player was preparing to start a new partnership in the sportswear and footwear market.

The decision is reportedly related to a legal case dating back to 2021, in which Karim Benzema was convicted of complicity in an attempt to blackmail his former French national team colleague Mathieu Valbuena.

A former France international has been sentenced to one year in prison, suspended, along with a fine, while Karim Benzema denied committing any offense at the time.

The cancellation of the new collaboration comes after Karim Benzema's partnership with Adidas, which the player had been linked with since 2007, has ended, leaving him required to search for a new partner.

The developments coincide with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Karim Benzema's football future, as the 38-year-old has not announced his retirement yet after leaving Al-Hilal at the end of August.