Al-Ittihad is caught up in a controversy as one of their players claims that Al-Hilal officials approached him during his contract, backed by audio and written evidence. If these allegations hold up, Al-Hilal could face a ban on registering new players and a six-month suspension for the official involved. This situation only adds to the ongoing drama surrounding Karim Benzema’s recent transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal.
- An Al-Ittihad player has provided evidence of Al-Hilal’s alleged contract breach.
- Potential sanctions for Al-Hilal include a player registration ban and official suspension.
- Karim Benzema’s transfer has been a central point of this whole controversy.
Allegations of Contract Breaches
The Saudi Professional League is witnessing a developing story, as an Al-Ittihad player has reportedly submitted evidence to his clubs management, alleging that Al-Hilal officials approached him for negotiations while he was still under contract. This evidence includes audio recordings and written correspondence. If verified these allegations could have serious repercussions for Al-Hilal, including a ban on registering new players and a six-month suspension for the official involved as per league regulations. The situation mirrors a wider controversy surrounding Karim Benzema’s recent move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal.
🚨 An Al-Ittihad player has reportedly submitted evidence to the club’s management claiming that Al-Hilal officials contacted him to negotiate while he’s still under contract. The complaint includes audio recordings and written correspondence 🇸🇦
And if this gets proven? The official involved could face a six-month suspension, and Al-Hilal could be banned from registering new players under the regulations — @365scoresarabic
— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol)
March 01, 2026
Benzema’s Transfer Controversy
Karim Benzema, the prolific French striker recently transferred to Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad, a move that was confirmed on February 2, 2026. Benzema joined Al-Hilal on a free transfer, signing a one-and-a-half-year contract after terminating his deal with Al-Ittihad. The way he left has sparked quite a bit of controversy, with allegations that Al-Hilal officials contacted him while he was still under contract, potentially breaking league rules. This situation is made even more complicated by reports of Benzema’s contract dispute with Al-Ittihad, which ultimately made his departure possible.
Implications for Al-Hilal
The allegations against Al-Hilal have not only put a spotlight on the clubs transfer practices but also raised some serious questions about their broader ambitions in securing top talent. If the claims are proven true, it could result in significant sanctions for the club, effecting their ability to register new players. On top of that, the controversy has implications for other high-profile players, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the transfer. The unfolding situation is being closely monitored, and it really reflects just how intense and competitive things are within the Saudi Professional League.
For more on Al-Hilal’s pursuit of top managerial talent following Jorge Jesus’s departure, explore Al-Hilal’s pursuit of European managerial talent.
