Frenchman Karim Benzema, the star of Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, sparked a crisis within the team after he rejected the proposal put forward by the coaching staff, which stipulated that he be registered only in the AFC Champions League elite squad for the next season.
The management of "Al-Zaeem" seeks to apply the same approach that it followed last season with the Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez, after he was registered to participate in the AFC Champions League Elite only at the request of the Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, a decision that angered the player who is currently working on leaving the club.
According to the "365Scores" website, Karim Benzema has categorically rejected the proposal, insisting on being included in the starting lineup that will compete in all local and continental competitions during the new season.
Benzema’s firm refusal has led Al-Hilal’s management to refrain from taking the step at the moment, as there is a fear within the club of entering into a clash or crisis with the French star that could affect the team’s atmosphere and internal stability.
Benzema joined Al-Hilal on the last day of last winter's transfer window after a major crisis with the management of Al-Ittihad club due to negotiations to renew his contract.
But the veteran French striker did not deliver the expected level and appeared in his worst version.
Benzema played 13 matches with Al-Hilal, scoring 9 goals and making 5 assists, but he did not help the team win the league title or the AFC Champions League.
