The Nice prosecutor's office wants a criminal trial for former AS Monaco captain Wissam Ben Yedder and his brother

No respite. A week after a criminal trial in Nice, the name of Wissam Ben Yedder is already back in the legal news. This time, it's a criminal matter. The former AS Monaco captain and his brother Sabri have been under investigation since August 2023 for rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault. Both deny the accusations. However, the prospect of a trial has just become clearer.

According to our information and that of L'Equipe , the Nice prosecutor 's office has issued its final indictment in this case, the most serious involving Wissam Ben Yedder. Through this written procedural document, the prosecution has indicated to the investigating magistrate what action it wishes to take in this case.

According to concordant sources, she requested the referral of Wissam Ben Yedder to the departmental criminal court for rape, attempted rape and sexual assault, and that of his brother Sabri for rape and sexual assault.

Versions versus versions

The Ben Yedder brothers were questioned in police custody by the criminal brigade of the Nice judicial police. Two young women accuse them of having abused them on July 11, 2023, during a summer night that began on the beach in Saint-Laurent-du-Var and ended in an apartment rented as an AirBnB in Beausoleil. They had become friends with them, then agreed to board their SUV. Their versions of what happened next differ.

According to Camille (1), 18 at the time, Wissam Ben Yedder allegedly forced her to touch him in the car, then forced him to perform oral sex once inside the apartment. According to him, she initiated it. In turn, Sabri allegedly forced Lucie (1), 19, to perform oral sex. With her consent, the younger brother assures.

On May 17, 2024, the two brothers and their accusers faced off for five hours in the investigating judge's chambers. Each stood firm. The prosecution has just expressed its position. It is now up to the judge to decide whether to refer the Ben Yedder brothers, one of them, or neither of them, to a criminal court. The defense will seek to oppose the referral of the Ben Yedder brothers, both presumed innocent.

Two other cases in progress

The former Monaco striker (2019-2024) and French international (19 caps, 3 goals), who recently signed with Iranian club Sepahan SC, is embroiled in legal matters. On November 12, he was sentenced to two years in prison with probation for sexual assault while intoxicated in Cap d'Ail. He has appealed this decision.

On May 21, he was back before the Nice Criminal Court , in a hearing with a single judge. This time, he was charged with psychological violence against his wife. The prosecution requested an eight-month suspended sentence, while the defense argued for acquittal. The decision is expected on September 3. But Wissam Ben Yedder will not be finished with the law. So far, he has avoided incarceration. If tried for rape, he faces up to 15 or even 20 years in prison.