Paris Saint-Germain is unhappy with the French Football Federation. The Champions League winners watched in frustration as Ousmane Dembélé went off injured while playing for the national team, especially since it was reportedly predicted by his club.
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Paris Saint-Germain is unhappy with the French Football Federation, and the latest international break has only deepened the rift between club and country.
The Champions League winners watched in frustration as Ousmane Dembélé went off injured while representing France, in a situation that the club feels could have been avoided. What makes the matter worse, from PSG’s perspective, is that the medical staff had reportedly flagged the risk before the player even joined the national team.
According to sources close to the Parisian club, Dembélé was not fully fit when Didier Deschamps named him in the squad for the international fixture against Ukraine. PSG doctors are said to have communicated their concerns directly to the French federation, highlighting the danger of aggravating the winger’s condition. Despite these warnings, Deschamps chose to include him, a decision that now fuels growing criticism in Paris.
During the match in Kyiv, Deschamps initially appeared cautious, leaving Dembélé on the bench as France managed the game against a resilient Ukrainian side. However, the plan was altered when another PSG player, rising star Désiré Doué, picked up an injury. Doué was forced off at halftime with a calf problem, as confirmed by L’Équipe. With France looking to maintain control of the game and secure the win, Deschamps opted to call on Dembélé, even though his fitness was already under question.
Dembélé’s time on the pitch lasted only around thirty minutes. After a few bursts of acceleration and trademark dribbles down the wing, the Ballon d’Or contender signaled that he could no longer continue. The sight of him limping off immediately reignited PSG’s anger, as the club now faces the prospect of being without two key players at a crucial stage of the season.
The situation has sparked renewed debate over the balance of power between clubs and national federations. PSG, who already have a demanding schedule with Ligue 1, the Champions League, and domestic cup commitments, argue that their players are being overused during international breaks. The French champions are believed to be considering a stricter approach to releasing players in the future, with closer monitoring of medical reports and possible refusals if risks are deemed too high.
For Deschamps, the dilemma is equally complicated. As France manager, he faces immense pressure to deliver results, and with the European Championship on the horizon, he wants his strongest squad available. However, his decision-making in this case may now be scrutinized, especially as PSG invests heavily in players like Dembélé, who are vital not only for their club but also for the national team’s ambitions.
The controversy also reignites a broader discussion in European football about how international fixtures are scheduled. Clubs often complain about the lack of rest for players, particularly those competing on multiple fronts, while federations insist that representing the national team remains a matter of pride and necessity. PSG’s latest clash with the French federation mirrors similar disputes across Europe, where leading clubs regularly find themselves at odds with international coaches.
From a sporting perspective, France still secured an important 2–0 win away against Ukraine, with goals that strengthened their position in the qualification campaign. Yet, for PSG, the victory feels hollow, as it comes at the cost of losing two key figures. The concern now turns to recovery times, with medical assessments expected to determine the severity of the injuries suffered by both Dembélé and Doué.
What is certain is that tensions between PSG and the French Football Federation are unlikely to ease anytime soon. The club is furious that warnings went unheeded, and the fact that two players return injured only reinforces their belief that changes must be made to protect their stars. With the season entering its decisive months, the fallout from this international break could have lasting consequences not just for PSG, but for France’s preparations as well.
Updated: 01:46, 6 Sep 2025
