Paris prosecutors have reopened an investigation into alleged discrimination by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) following a complaint by France's Human Rights League. The complaint alleges that club scouts engaged in illegal profiling of potential recruits based on their origins. The investigation, which was initially closed in August 2022, was reopened in May of this year.
The Human Rights League filed a lawsuit, prompting the prosecutor's office to look into the matter. The new complaint cites discrimination on the grounds of origin and the improper storage of data revealing racial or ethnic origins, a practice prohibited by French law.
PSG has admitted to the use of forms containing illegal content between 2013 and 2018. Reports indicate that scouts were instructed to categorize potential recruits into four groups based on their origins: 'Francais' (French), 'Maghrebin' (North African), 'Antillais' (West Indian), and 'Afrique noire' (Black African). However, the club has denied responsibility for implementing this policy.
Following the initial complaint by the Human Rights League, an internal investigation by PSG found no proven cases of discrimination. The French Football Federation ethics council and the league's disciplinary commission subsequently fined PSG 100,000 euros. Former PSG academy director Bertrand Reuzeau and two individuals in charge of recruiting also received suspended fines.
Recent reports from Mediapart and the French TV program 'Envoyé Special' have highlighted a specific case involving a young black player, Yann Gboho. According to investigations based on 'Football Leaks' documents, Gboho, who now plays for France Under-18s, was allegedly overlooked by PSG at the age of 13 due to his color. The club's management reportedly attempted to cover up those involved in the incident.
This case is not the first instance of racism in French soccer. In 2011, revelations from Mediapart exposed discussions among national coach Laurent Blanc and others about informal quotas limiting the involvement of black and Arab youth players in the national squad.
