A Premier League icon joked he just "loves to see beautiful women" when he was named as a Miss Universe judge - but he stepped down after "fixed" claims
20:02, 22 Feb 2026
Claude Makelele
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Claude Makelele was selected as a judge for Miss Universe(Image: Getty Images)
A Premier League icon joked he just "loves to see beautiful women" after he was named a Miss Universe judge - but stepped down from his role after "fixed" claims.
Claude Makelele, who celebrated his birthday this week, thought he had landed a dream role at the beauty pageant, with higher ups perhaps hoping his judgement on the pitch would be transferable to the runway.
The metronomic midfielder who starred at Chelsea and Real Madrid was open to the role, speaking at the time he said he was always open to new experiences: "I think in life you need to have many experiences and my people who work with me presented me with this kind of opportunity.
Miss Universe
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Miss Universe was held in Thailand last November(Image: Getty Images)
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"So why not? We all come from ladies, we were born from ladies. We also have a family, we have a wife and we have a girlfriend. Yes, the women in general are beautiful women. We love to see beautiful women, it's normal.
"It will be my first experience, so I thought why not?"
However, he never got his chance to judge the beauty of the women of Thailand - as he would withdraw amid allegations of the competition being rigged.
Miss Universe
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Miss Universe is an annual beauty pageant(Image: Getty Images)
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He announced the decision 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. Thank you for your understanding and support."
Victoria Kjær Theilvig
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Victoria Kjær Theilvig won the event in 2024(Image: Getty Images)
Makelele followed musician Omar Harfouch in quitting his role. Harfouch said he was looking a filing a formal complaint against the Miss Universe Organization.
He said: "The issues under review include, but are not limited to: fraud, abuse of power, corruption, deception, breach of contract, conflict of interest, and emotional and reputational damages.
"It has come to light that a secret and illegitimate vote was held to determine the Top 30 contestants before the arrival of the official jury.
"This vote was conducted by individuals who are not recognized members of the official judging panel, including at least one person with a *personal romantic relationship with a contestant*.
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"A fact which constitutes a clear and serious *conflict of interest* and may qualify as *collusion* and *manipulation of an international competition*."