Judge Sentences French Footballer Wissam Ben Yedder to Prison for Sexual Assault
Professional footballer Wissam Ben Yedder was handed a two-year prison sentence on November 12, following a trial held in France. The convicted player was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman. This verdict marks the conclusion of a highly publicized case that began in 2024.
Ben Yedder, a former striker for the French national team, faced charges of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault in connection to an alleged incident that occurred in the south of France. Prosecutors had demanded a two-year prison sentence, which the court subsequently handed down.
During the trial, the victim’s legal representative, Frank Michel, claimed that the victim had been left in a state of shock. Michel had also requested €25,000 in damages on the victim’s behalf. The judge’s decision is subject to appeal.
The 34-year-old footballer’s legal issues began when a woman sued him in September 2024, alleging that the sexual assault occurred after the two had met on the French Riviera. According to reports, Ben Yedder refused to stop his car, prompting authorities to take extraordinary measures to bring the situation under control. He was subsequently released on bail.
Following his arrest, Ben Yedder’s driver’s license was suspended for six months, and he began undergoing alcohol treatment and detox. When questioned, Ben Yedder claimed to have no memory of the alleged sexual assault and denied any wrongdoing. However, the court ultimately found him guilty and sentenced him to prison time.
Sadly, Ben Yedder’s legal issues have occurred at a precarious time in his career, as his contract with Monaco had expired at the end of the previous season.
Prior to his contract’s expiration, Ben Yedder had been an integral member of the Monaco team. In the 2021-2022 season, he helped the team secure a second-place finish behind Paris Saint-Germain in the French league. His impressive goal-scoring record included 16 goals and three assists.
Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Ben Yedder accumulated an impressive 19 caps for the French national team, with his most recent appearance coming in June 2022.
