Karim Benzema’s strange absence from the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been the subject of much rumor in recent weeks, but now the player’s agent has fanned the flames by publishing evidence that the player was in fact fit enough to represent France during the knockout rounds.
The 35-year-old had been all but ruled out of the tournament before a ball was kicked in Qatar, having picked up a knock.
With this in mind, France’s new record goalscorer Olivier Giroud deputised in the Ballon d’Or winner’s absence, going on to score four goals in six games.
To the outside world, it seemed as if Benzema had simply failed to prove his fitness in time to be able to force his way back into France manager Didier Deschamps’ plans by the time of the knockout stage.
And yet, new evidence seems to suggest that very much isn’t the case – and that yet another bust-up could be the reason for his banishment from the French World Cup squad.
What Benzema’s Agent Said
According to Karim Djaziri, Benzema’s long-time agent, a falling out with Deschamps meant that he declined the chance to return to Qatar for the latter stages of the tournament – even though he was fit to play a part.
The tensions reportedly began to rise after Benzema first got injured, which was initially regarded as minor.
With the player preferring to stay with the France squad while it recovery, it is alleged that Deschamps instead sent him back to his club.
In a bid to clear the air on what actually happened behind the scenes, Djaziri took to Twitter to share his side of the story.
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Alongside a video showing the extent of his client’s pre-World Cup injury, the agent stated: “I put that there but before that I consulted 3 specialists who confirm the diagnosis that Benzema could have been fit from the last 16 to at least be on the bench!
“Why did you ask him to leave so quickly?”
The fallout in the days following France’s defeat in the World Cup Final to Argentina was seismic, as Benzema promptly retired from international duty.
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