Wissam Ben Yedder, the former AS Monaco striker of Tunisian descent, appeared before the criminal court in Nice on Wednesday to answer allegations of psychological abuse brought by his estranged wife.
The 34-year-old, who now plays professional football in Iran, is currently involved in divorce proceedings that have become the backdrop for the legal case.
Dressed formally in a black jacket and trousers, Ben Yedder arrived at the courthouse flanked by his legal counsel.
His wife, who is the complainant in the case, was also in attendance as proceedings got underway before a single judge.
The hearing lasted several hours, during which the public prosecutor called for a suspended sentence of eight months in prison and a fine of €10,000.
The prosecution’s request followed testimony and the presentation of an expert report cited by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Elisabeth Maisondieu Camus, who is also seeking financial damages on behalf of her client.
Ben Yedder, represented by lawyers Marie Roumiantseva and Hasna Louze, denied any form of abuse or violence.
However, his legal team did concede that some of his behaviour and language may have been “clumsy.”
They argued for a full acquittal, insisting that the charges were not supported by the evidence presented.
The court did not issue a ruling immediately. Instead, the judge postponed the verdict, which is now scheduled to be delivered on September 3.
The outcome of the case could have broader implications for Ben Yedder’s personal and professional future as he continues his career abroad while navigating legal proceedings in France.
