Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier and his son have been detained as a part of an investigation into racism allegations at one in every of his former golf equipment, Nice prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme advised The Associated Press.
Galtier and his son, John Valovic-Galtier, had been positioned in custody for questioning on Friday morning, Bonhomme stated with out elaborating.
Galtier, who’s on his means out at PSG however nonetheless below contract, denied accusations that he made racist and anti-Muslim feedback when he was answerable for French membership Nice when the scandal broke earlier this yr.
RMC Sport and different French media printed stories quoting a leaked electronic mail from former Nice director of soccer Julien Fournier to the membership’s homeowners, during which he accused Galtier of claiming there have been too many Black and Muslim gamers within the squad.
Galtier stated he felt damage “at the deepest level” of his humanity by the accusations and has taken authorized motion.
Bonhomme stated on the time a preliminary investigation had been opened into “discrimination on the grounds of alleged race or religion.” He stated it was being dealt with by Nice police with searches of the membership’s headquarters.
PSG head of communications Julien Maynard stated “serious allegations” had been made towards Galtier and that the membership absolutely supported him.
RMC Sport stated Fournier, who was at odds with Galtier throughout his tenure at Nice, wrote to Ineos director of sports activities Dave Brailsford to let him know in regards to the particulars of a dialog he had with the coach.
Ineos acquired the southern membership in 2019 and appointed Galtier as coach in 2021 after he received the title with Lille. He spent one season at Nice earlier than becoming a member of PSG. Fournier left Nice in 2022 after greater than a decade on the membership.
Fournier allegedly stated that Galtier complained in August 2021 that there have been too many Black and Muslim gamers within the staff, and that it didn’t replicate the ethnological profile of the town. Fournier advised native newspaper Nice-Matin that he was not chargeable for the leaked doc.
Fournier had beforehand talked about severe points with Galtier throughout an interview with RMC, saying the PSG coach would by no means have the option “to enter a locker room again” if he defined the explanations behind their dispute.
The 56-year-old Galtier led PSG to a different French league title as anticipated, however PSG was eradicated early within the Champions League and the French Cup by rival Marseille this season. PSG’s type slumped after the World Cup, with 10 losses in 28 video games in 2023.
Galtier has one yr left on his contract however PSG has reportedly been holding talks with Luis Enrique to exchange him within the coming days.