French Footballer Wissam Ben Yedder was given a two-year suspended prison sentence for sexual assault. The sentence was handed down on Tuesday following his trial last month in Nice, France.
Ben Yedder’s lawyers confirmed the sentence to the Associated Press and stated that he plans to appeal the ruling. The prosecution had requested a two-and-a-half year sentence, with 18 months suspended. In addition to the suspended sentence, Ben Yedder was ordered to pay €5,000 ($5,300) in compensation to the victim and must undergo treatment. The victim had requested €25,000 in damages and was said to be in shock following the assault.
The charges stem from a lawsuit filed against Ben Yedder in September. The 34-year-old striker was initially detained and later released following the incident, which occurred in his car on the French Riviera. He was later arrested at his home after refusing to stop his car.
Ben Yedder, who has since begun alcohol detox and therapy, admitted to driving under the influence but stated he has no memory of the assault due to his level of intoxication. His lawyers contest the court’s characterization of the case as sexual assault.
Ben Yedder’s contract with Monaco expired at the end of last season, leaving him without a club. He was a prolific scorer for Monaco, with 118 goals in 201 appearances, making him the club’s second-highest scorer. He also has 19 caps for the French national team. Ben Yedder’s lawyers say he has resumed intensive training and treatment and hopes to return to soccer in the coming weeks.
In addition to this case, Ben Yedder is facing separate preliminary charges of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault related to a different alleged incident in southern France.
