Wissam Ben Yedder, a former French international football player, has been found guilty of inflicting psychological violence on his estranged wife. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, mandates a substantial fine of 90,000 euros against the 35-year-old former Monaco and Sevilla forward. Ben Yedder, who was absent during the court proceedings, has expressed his intention to appeal the decision through his lawyer, Marie Roumiantseva. This conviction marks the latest in a series of legal troubles for the once-celebrated athlete, casting a shadow over his football career and personal life.
This recent legal entanglement is not Ben Yedder’s first brush with the law. In November of the preceding year, he was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence following a conviction for sexual assault. The incident, occurring just two months prior to the sentencing, further complicated his already precarious legal standing. Adding to this growing list of offenses, a Spanish court levied a six-month suspended sentence against him in 2023 for tax fraud related to his tenure at Sevilla from 2016 to 2019. The accusations and convictions paint a troubling picture of the former football star’s conduct off the field.
Adding to the complexity of his legal battles, Ben Yedder and his brother, Sabri, are currently under investigation for allegations of rape involving two women in 2023. Both men vehemently deny these accusations, asserting their innocence. The ongoing investigation further underscores the gravity of the legal challenges confronting the former Monaco captain. The accumulation of charges, spanning from financial impropriety to violent offenses, presents a significant hurdle for Ben Yedder’s attempts to rehabilitate his public image and resume his football career.
In the psychological violence case against his estranged wife, the prosecution had initially sought an eight-month suspended sentence and a fine of 10,000 euros (approximately $11,640). However, the court ultimately imposed a considerably higher fine of 90,000 euros, along with an additional 60,000 euros to be paid to his wife, half as damages and half for legal fees. The couple is currently undergoing divorce proceedings, adding a further layer of personal turmoil to the already complex legal situation. The financial penalties levied against Ben Yedder reflect the seriousness with which the court viewed the offense of psychological violence.
Ben Yedder’s legacy as a prominent footballer is now juxtaposed with his ongoing legal battles. He holds the distinguished position of second on Monaco’s all-time goalscorers list, a testament to his talent and contribution to the club. However, his recent legal troubles have cast a long shadow over his accomplishments on the field. His career, which once held such promise, now faces an uncertain future. After a short stint with Sepahan in Iran earlier this year, Ben Yedder currently finds himself without a club.
The confluence of these legal challenges, coupled with his lack of current club affiliation, raises questions about the future of Wissam Ben Yedder’s football career. Whether he can successfully navigate these legal hurdles and potentially return to professional football remains to be seen. His reputation has undoubtedly suffered significant damage, and rebuilding trust with fans, clubs, and the public at large will be a formidable task. The coming months and years will be crucial in determining whether Ben Yedder can salvage his career and personal life from the wreckage of these ongoing legal proceedings.
