By Chidi Emmanuel

KUWAIT: There has been a raging debate over the idea of a man buying properties in his father’s or mother’s name. The case of Achraf Hakimi, a PSG footballer, has ignited a debate about trust and loyalty. According to reports, Hakimi’s wife, Hiba Abouk, filed for divorce, seeking half of the husband’s fortune, only to discover that the husband owns nothing. In a surprising turn of events, the court informed her that her ‘millionaire’ husband legally owns nothing, as all his assets are registered under his mother’s name. The 24-year-old football star appears to have no property—cars, houses or even jewelries—registered in his name.

The Moroccan international footballer registered most of his assets and properties, including his reported $234,621 weekly salary, under his mother’s name. Hiba is now reeling from the unexpected development in the divorce case and is currently consulting her legal team to determine their next course of action. Kuwait Times sought people’s opinions on the ongoing debate. “This is really an unusual arrangement. What a smart move. Well done Hakimi, I salute you! He knows the kind of woman he married, and that prompted his action.

Although it is not an ideal thing to do, I guess he took that measures after what happened to golf player Tiger Woods and other celebrities,” Mark Smith, an American expat, told Kuwait Times. “Many women have rendered their former husbands useless with divorce cases. Initially, we used to hear that this is a man’s world, but in divorce cases, it is always a woman’s world. Being an African and Arab man, Hakimi must have learned from the best. He planned it ahead of time. Some men do buy properties in their mother’s or brother’s name, especially when there are risks of divorce. Nowadays, some ladies (including celebrities) go into marriage hoping for the proceeds from divorce.

This is a lesson for women who divorce for the sake of the benefits,” Hamid Dakuo, an African expat, explained. Contrary to Mark and Hamid’s views, Sara Angelo and her friends see it as “betrayal or breach of trust and lack of love.” “It is legal to buy properties in someone else’s name, including your mother’s name, as long as you have her consent. However, it is important to consider the woman who stood by you and suffered with you. Although I don’t support divorce, leaving her with nothing after her years of marriage is not fair,” Sara said. Supporting Sara’s views, Kristine Garcia (Sara’s friend) sees Hakimi’s action as unreasonable.

“It is quite awkward to use your mother as next of kin instead of your wife or child. His action shows lack of love and trust. Will Hakimi’s mother feel happy if her husband treats her in such a manner?” she questioned. Mama’s boy “It is generally not advisable for a husband to buy properties in his mother’s name, as it can create legal and financial complications. What Hakimi did, underlined what his wife went through in the marriage. This is what you get when you marry a mama’s boy. Some mothers like to interfere in their sons’ marriages.

A man like Hakimi will be very difficult to leave with,” Reem Abdulla and Dalal, her friends (Kuwaiti students), argued. Buying properties in a mother’s name in case of divorce is a common practice in some cultures. However, it is important to understand the legal implications of such a decision. “As a married man, buying property in your mother’s name may create legal and financial complications in the event of a divorce.

Depending on the laws of the jurisdiction, the property may be considered that of the mother and not subject to division in a divorce settlement. This could result in the wife losing any claim to the property, even if she worked for or paid for it. It is unfair to buy properties in your mother’s name when you have a wife. If you can’t trust her, don’t marry her,” Akhil Ajay, an Indian expat, advised.