By Photo Source: Afrik-Foot
Former Moroccan international and current sporting consultant for Olympique de Marseille, Medhi Benatia, is gearing up for a counter-response after facing serious allegations.
The potential transfer of Azzedine Ounahi to the Gulf has become a controversial topic in Morocco. Al-Sadd, the reigning champions of Qatar, have made a firm offer to OM for the 24-year-old midfielder, according to L’Equipe. Al-Ettifaq from Saudi Arabia has also shown interest, as per the same source.
Last summer, Benatia was skeptical about Ounahi moving to the Gulf. His stance changed after a discussion with his national team’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, who had recently joined Al-Hilal. However, this time, it’s Ounahi who is reluctant, apparently on advice from the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which suggests he remains in Europe. “Azzedine Ounahi believes it’s too early for him to play in Qatar’s league. He wants to spend a few more years in a top-level European league to develop and showcase his talent,” a source close to the player told Moroccan media outlet Le360.
In the meantime, Benatia’s legal team plans to sue for defamation. This follows accusations of intimidation and jeopardizing Ounahi’s future, as alleged by another site. As reported by the account TeamOM Official on Twitter, Benatia’s camp is taking legal action against these claims. The 37-year-old businessman has not used any force or other forms of pressure, despite his and OM’s intent to find a profitable deal for the Casablanca-born player.
L’Equipe suggests that Benatia continues to scout for lucrative opportunities in Europe’s top leagues for Ounahi, contradicting the claims by Le360, which seems to be at odds with Benatia.
“It’s very serious!” reacted Benatia’s entourage, who are set to sue the authors of the defamatory article about Azzedine Ounahi…
— TeamOM Official (@TeamOM_Officiel) July 19, 2024
French sports daily L’Equipe further reports that the former captain of the Atlas Lions is still exploring options in Europe’s top four leagues to secure a more enticing move for Ounahi. This narrative starkly contrasts with the one presented by Le360, fueling further tension between the media outlet and Benatia.
