PSG director accuses Barcelona of not following transfer rules
Paris Saint-Germain Sporting Director Antero Henrique has spoken out in a strong manner against La Liga side Barcelona after Adrien Rabiot refused to renew his contract with the French champions. He believes that Barcelona, whom Rabiot is almost certain to join next season, had made a deal with him earlier before sending an offer PSG's way. The club has thus benched Rabiot indefinitely.
What were Henrique grievances against the Catalan giants?
Barcelona reportedly offered PSG a surprisingly low sum of money for the player's transfer in summer. Henrique believes the miserly offer was just a gimmick, and that Barca and Rabiot already had a deal in place that he would go to Camp Nou on a Bosman free transfer if he refused to renew his contract, which will be coming to an end by 2018-19.
PSG fans hold placards against Rabiot
Rabiot not signing a new contract has been taken as an insult by PSG, who helped nurture him into the talented performer he is today. This anger made PSG fans hold out placards against him which read, "We don't need you Rabiot". "For the player, the consequences are clear -- he is indefinitely benched", said Henrique regarding Rabiot's current stature at the club.
Barcelona and PSG have a history of animosity
This is not the first time the two clubs have clashed over transfers, with the first storm erupting during Neymar's controversial move to Paris in 2017. PSG managed to snatch him away from Barcelona by triggering his release clause of €222 million. This angered Barca as it was a huge embarrassment to them, seeing one of their most coveted stars being taken away.
PSG themselves are going through a rocky legal phase
While PSG are blaming other clubs for not following rules, UEFA had earlier threatened to reopen a case on financial fairplay against the French champions, who had appealed against UEFA's decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Both PSG and Manchester City were being investigated by UEFA for financial disputes, and it's believed that irregularities, if proven in court, could see them facing UEFA bans.
