French Appeals Court Halts Rape Trial Against Former Football Star Ben Yedder
A French appeals court has overturned a decision to send former France international striker Wissam Ben Yedder to trial on rape-related charges, ruling there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case. Judicial sources confirmed that the Aix-en-Provence appeals court found there was "no basis for prosecuting him," effectively reversing an earlier move by prosecutors in Nice who had sought a trial on allegations of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault.
Legal Victory for Ben Yedder Amid Ongoing Challenges
"We are very satisfied with the decision. My client has always maintained his innocence," stated his lawyer, Sophia Kerbaa, following the ruling. Ben Yedder, 35, and his brother Sabri were placed under formal investigation in 2023 after two teenage women accused them of offences linked to an encounter at a party. Both men had previously been ordered to stand trial before the appeal court's decision intervened.
The former AS Monaco and Sevilla FC forward has faced multiple legal challenges in recent years, adding complexity to his career and personal life. In September, a court in Nice fined him €90,000 for psychological abuse of his wife, from whom he is currently divorcing. Additionally, in 2023, he was convicted in Spain for tax fraud during his spell at Sevilla. He also received a two-year suspended sentence in France in 2024 in a separate sexual violence case, a ruling he is currently appealing.
Football Career and Broader Context of Legal Cases
After leaving Monaco in 2024, Ben Yedder had brief spells playing in Iran and Turkey before signing in January with Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca. This latest legal development occurs as other prominent footballers, including Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain and former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, are also facing separate rape-related legal proceedings in France and England, highlighting ongoing issues in the sport.
The appeals court's decision underscores the rigorous standards of evidence required in such cases, while Ben Yedder's legal team celebrates a significant victory. However, his broader legal troubles continue to cast a shadow over his professional trajectory, with multiple convictions and pending appeals shaping his public profile.
