Makelele Steps Down from Miss Universe Panel amid Rigging Claims

Chelsea icon Claude Makelele has stepped down from the Miss Universe 2025 judging panel, a move that comes amid growing controversy and rigging allegations surrounding this year’s competition. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder, renowned for his excellence and integrity on the pitch, was set to be a special guest judge in Thailand just days before the highly anticipated event.

Makelele’s Sudden Exit from Miss Universe 2025

Makelele’s appointment as a judge for the Miss Universe 2025 event generated excitement, with organizers emphasizing his commitment to fairness and sportsmanship. The Miss Universe pageant, known for celebrity guest judges such as Steven Tyler and Adriana Lima, had welcomed Makelele as a symbol of integrity. The event, held in Thailand, offers the winner a lucrative £190,000 annual salary, a luxurious New York apartment, and global travel opportunities, making it a coveted title among international contestants.

However, Makelele cited “unforeseen personal circumstances” for his exit, sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram: “It is with regret that I must announce that I won’t be able to attend the Miss Universe 2025 event due to unforeseen personal reasons. This was a difficult decision, as I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard. The platform represents empowerment, diversity, and excellence—values I have always championed throughout my career. I sincerely apologise to the organisation, the contestants, and everyone involved, and I hope to be able to contribute in the future under better circumstances.”

Rigging Allegations Cast Shadow Over Miss Universe

Makelele’s departure comes as the competition faces serious rigging allegations from another judge, Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch. Harfouch resigned from the panel, claiming on social media that an “impromptu jury” had pre-selected finalists before the official jury arrived, including individuals with personal relationships with contestants. He has consulted legal experts in New York to potentially file a formal complaint, accusing the organization of fraud, abuse of power, and conflict of interest.

These explosive claims have intensified scrutiny of the Miss Universe 2025 process, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of the competition. The scandals have overshadowed the high-profile event, which last year crowned Denmark’s Victoria Theilvig as winner.

Makelele: From Football Stardom to New Challenges

Claude Makelele’s football career was nothing short of illustrious, winning titles with Real Madrid and Chelsea, and finishing as a World Cup runner-up with France in 2006. After retiring, he moved into management, though his post-playing career has seen less success, with brief stints at Bastia, Asteras Tripolis, and Eupen.

His unexpected involvement in Miss Universe was seen as a new chapter, highlighting the crossover between sports figures and global cultural events. Unfortunately, his resignation—coming so close to the pageant—has dealt another blow to the competition’s image.

What’s Next for Miss Universe and Makelele?

With two high-profile resignations in quick succession, including Makelele’s, the Miss Universe organization now faces mounting pressure to ensure transparency and restore public trust. Contestants and fans alike await assurances that the judging process will remain fair and unbiased.

For Makelele, this episode is a reminder of his enduring values of integrity and sportsmanship. Whether he returns to football or explores new opportunities, his principled stance has reinforced his legacy off the pitch.

Opinion: Integrity Should Lead Every Stage

In my view, Claude Makelele’s decision to step down, while surely difficult, demonstrates true leadership. The current challenges facing Miss Universe highlight how crucial transparency and integrity are in any field—be it sports, entertainment, or global competitions. For more updates on this and other sports stories, visit for more news.