Karim Benzema has removed himself from Al-Ittihad's first-team squad following a contract extension proposal he reportedly views as deeply disrespectful.
The 38-year-old French striker, whose current agreement expires this summer, declined to feature in Thursday's Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Fateh, which ended in a 2-2 stalemate.
Reports indicate the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner was presented with terms that would effectively see him continue at the Jeddah club without receiving a traditional salary.
The proposed arrangement would compensate the former Real Madrid captain solely through image rights payments, a structure Benzema has flatly rejected.
Karim Benzema is furious with Al-Ittihad chiefs after a reported contract offer
|His absence left Al-Ittihad to field Saleh Al-Shehri in attack, with the Saudi international opening the scoring in the 25th minute.
The club currently languish in sixth position in the league standings.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has shed further light on the breakdown, revealing that Benzema believes the offer contradicts assurances given to him upon his arrival from the Spanish capital.
"Benzema feels the promises coming from the club since last summer were different about a new contract," Romano stated on his YouTube channel.
The journalist elaborated that the extension would have seen the Frenchman "playing for free without any extra money, but just paid his image rights immediately."
French publication L'Equipe first reported the dispute, with Benzema's representatives describing the proposal as "insulting."
The offer was reportedly delivered by Michael Emenalo, the Saudi Pro League's director of football, who handles contract negotiations for major foreign players at PIF-owned clubs.
This contract impasse comes despite Benzema delivering impressive performances throughout the current campaign, having netted 16 times across all competitions.
His contributions proved instrumental last term as Al-Ittihad claimed both the league title and cup, with the Frenchman registering 30 goal involvements in 29 league outings.
Manager Sergio Conceicao declined to address the contractual dispute directly when questioned about his star forward's conspicuous absence.
"You will have to ask the club about Karim Benzema. I am here to train, prepare for matches, achieve results. Everything else is outside my responsibilities," the Portuguese coach remarked.
He nonetheless offered warm praise for the veteran marksman: "Karim is a great professional, a fantastic player. I am proud to coach him."
Karim Benzema won the Ballon d'Or in 2022
|Benzema presently ranks as the third-highest-paid footballer on the planet, with annual earnings exceeding £85 million.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo, who commands £194 million yearly at Al-Nassr, and Lionel Messi at Inter Miami with £96.9 million surpass the Frenchman's remuneration.
The striker is now understood to be training separately from his teammates whilst weighing his future options.
Should negotiations remain deadlocked, Benzema would enter the summer transfer window as one of football's most sought-after free agents.
Sports director Ramon Planes had previously insisted the player wished to remain in Saudi Arabia, telling ABC: "He wants to stay, he's very keen to continue in Saudi Arabia and with Al Ittihad."
Benzema is expected to miss Sunday's fixture against Al-Najma, with a clash against Ronaldo's Al-Nassr looming.