Christophe Galtier will be removed as head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the 56-year-old summoned to stand trial over allegations of racism at his former club, Nice.
[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query=”sof/paris_saint_germain” size=”350×300″ site_id=”metabet-website”]
Paris Saint-Germain Terminate Christophe Galtier Contract
Christophe Galtier’s contract has been terminated, pending PSG statement. 🔴🔵 #PSG
This formal step was final one needed in order to unveil Luis Enrique as new head coach. pic.twitter.com/MP3EUFCizO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2023
What Are the Allegations?
Galtier is standing trial on December 15, 2023, following charges of psychological harassment and discrimination, the prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme confirmed on Twitter. The scandal broke out earlier this year, with French media publishing a leaked email from Nice’s former director of football, Julien Fournier, in which he accused Galtier of complaining about the number of black and Muslim players within the squad.
Three-time Ligue 1 manager of the year Galtier is now facing up to three years in prison, with a potential maximum fine of €45,000. The 56-year-old, who managed Nice during the 2021/22 season, decided to take legal action after preliminary investigations opened back in April.
He has since commented on the situation, releasing the following retort: “I have decided to take legal action against those who have violated my honour and I can only be satisfied with the opening of an investigation.” The Frenchman continued: “I was stunned by the comments that were attributed to me and that were relayed in an irresponsible manner.
Read More: 100 Years of Wembley Stadium: Its Top 10 Greatest Games
“I am a child of the HLM estates (subsidised housing estates), raised in diversity, raised to respect others no matter their origin, their colour, or their religion.” The manager was questioned in police custody with his son, Valovic Galtier, on Friday. His son was later released without any charges, as he did not have an official role at Nice.
Both he and his assistant, Thierry Oleksiak, have come to an agreement with the 11-time Ligue 1 winners over the termination of their contract.
Who Will Replace Him as PSG Boss?
Per Romano, former Barcelona and Spain manager, Luis Enrique, is the front-runner to take the PSG hotseat, with an announcement from the French champions expected imminently.
The 53-year-old has been without a job since resigning as the Spanish national team manager following the 2022 World Cup, leading La Furia Roja to the Euro 2020 semi-finals and Nations League final during his tenure.
Read More: Top 10 European Football Managers to Watch This Season
Most notably, Enrique led Barcelona to the Champions League title in 2015, with Les Parisiens still searching for success in that European competition. They were knocked out by Bayern Munich in the round of 16 in this year’s edition, a second straight exit at this stage.
The club were rumoured to be interested in Julien Naglesmann when allegations first arose in April, however, he is now considered out of the running. ESPN reported that negotiations broke down between the two parties in June, leaving PSG with a four-man shortlist of Luis Enrique, Porto manager Sergio Conceicao, as well as former players Thiago Motta and Marcelo Gallardo.
🎙 The club invites you to follow the very first press conference of the 2023-2024 season live on its official platform tomorrow
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 4, 2023
Gallardo most recently coached Argentine side River Plate, whilst Motta is head coach at Bologna in Serie A. The Parisians are inviting fans to follow their press conference on Wednesday, which is when the unveiling of Luis Enrique is expected to happen.
Featured Image
