Kylian Mbappe’s Absence Sparks Controversy: PSG Faces ‘Moral Harassment’ Accusations
Paris St-Germain (PSG) Under Fire as Kylian Mbappe Excluded from Pre-Season Tour
Paris St-Germain (PSG) is facing allegations of “moral harassment” and scrutiny after excluding star striker Kylian Mbappe from their pre-season tour of Asia. The French footballers’ union has expressed its disapproval and is considering taking legal action against the club.
As PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer, Mbappe’s role in the team is crucial. However, he has made it clear that he has no intention of extending his contract, which has only 12 months remaining. While PSG aims to sell the 24-year-old forward to secure a transfer fee, Mbappe insists on staying with the club until his contract expires.
Mbappe was acquired by PSG in 2017 for a staggering fee of £165.7 million from Monaco. Despite his imminent departure, his significant contributions over the past six years have solidified his status as a key player, scoring an impressive 212 goals in 260 games and earning various accolades, including five Ligue 1 Golden Boots and playing a pivotal role in France’s victorious 2018 World Cup campaign.
His decision not to extend his contract with PSG surprised many, as it was widely expected that he would join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of his current deal in 2022. PSG’s chairman, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, has made it clear that Mbappe will not be allowed to leave for free in 2024, emphasizing the club’s firm stance on the matter.
The exclusion of Mbappe from the squad for the tour to Japan and South Korea has raised concerns within the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP). The UNFP released a statement asserting that players, including Mbappe, should be entitled to the same working conditions as any other professional workforce.
Subjecting an employee to pressure or deteriorating working conditions to force them to leave or accept the employer’s wishes constitutes moral harassment, a practice firmly condemned by French law. As a result, the UNFP has reserved the right to pursue civil and criminal actions against any club engaging in such behavior.
With the controversy surrounding Mbappe’s future, PSG’s new manager, Luis Enrique, takes charge amid a challenging situation that requires delicate handling to ensure the club’s stability and success.
