October 15, (THEWILL) – Former France international footballer, Wissam Ben Yedder, faced trial on Tuesday in Nice, southern France, for alleged sexual assault. The incident reportedly occurred last month, involving a woman Ben Yedder met during an intoxicated outing.
According to the investigation, the 34-year-old invited the woman into his car, where he allegedly performed a sexual act in front of her. The woman promptly filed a police complaint, leading to Ben Yedder’s arrest later that night. His lawyers, Hasna Louze and Marie Roumiantseva, stated that their client expresses remorse and willingness to take responsibility for his actions.
Currently without a club and struggling with alcoholism, Ben Yedder faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted. The former AS Monaco captain, who is the club’s second-highest goalscorer, has been under strict police supervision while awaiting trial but not in detention.
This is not Ben Yedder’s only legal challenge. He is scheduled for another trial in December, facing charges of psychological violence against his wife amid ongoing divorce proceedings. Additionally, police are investigating a separate accusation of rape from the summer of 2023, which Ben Yedde r denies.
Ben Yedder’s professional career began in Toulouse, France, before he moved to FC Sevilla. In 2023, a Spanish court found him guilty of tax fraud during his time in Spain, resulting in a six-month suspended sentence. His contract with AS Monaco, where he scored 118 goals in 201 matches, was not renewed when it expired this year. Ben Yedder also represented the French national team, scoring three goals in 19 appearances.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
