Ben Yedder, former Sevilla footballer, sentenced to two years in prison for sexual assault

Wissam Ben Yedderformer striker Seville and of A.S. Monacowas found guilty of sexual assault and other crimes, in a decision by the Nice criminal court that comes four weeks after a high-profile hearing.

The sentence includes two years in prison, a fine of 5,000 euros, the suspension of his driving license for six months and the obligation to compensate the victim, a 23-year-old girl, 6,500 euros (5 000 for moral damage and 1,500 for moral damage). for legal costs).

In addition, his name will be registered in the French system of sexual and violent offenders.

The case dates back to the night of September 6, 2024, when the victim filed a complaint accusing Ben Yedder of trying to kiss her and masturbating in front of her in her father’s car. The 34-year-old footballer was arrested at his home in Cap-d’Ail after the events, which occurred in a parking lot.

According to the victim’s account, “he agreed to get into the player’s car out of fear.” Inside the vehicle, he caressed her and tried to kiss her, before masturbating while trying to bring her closer. Finally, the young woman was able to escape.

During the trial, Ben Yedder claimed he did not remember details of that night due to his excessive alcohol consumption. “It’s a bit of a difficult time, I had problems with my agents, with my wife… I had been drinking for three or four days,” he explained in court.

He admitted that he turned to alcohol as a means of escape, which caused him to lose control of his behavior. “I realize it was the worst mistake of my life,” he admitted.

The prosecution, which had initially requested two and a half years in prison, including one year in prison and the rest under probation, referred to his previous judicial situation. In the summer of 2023, Ben Yedder was accused of rape by another young woman, after a romantic date.

Although he is under investigation, the footballer paid bail of 900,000 euros to be released under judicial supervision. Furthermore, he is accused of psychological violence against his wife as part of the divorce proceedings initiated in May 2023, which will be judged in December.

Currently without a team, after terminating his contract with Monaco last June, Ben Yedder’s sporting future remains uncertain, marked by his legal troubles and the accusations made against him.