PSG vs. Deschamps
PSG vs. Deschamps: Club vs. Country Battle That Could Shake FIFA

The international break has once again become a nightmare for Europe’s biggest clubs. PSG’s patience finally snapped after two of their stars — Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué — picked up injuries while on duty with France.

PSG vs. Deschamps

Dembélé, one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or, and Doué, widely regarded as PSG’s brightest young talent, both suffered injuries in France’s clash with Ukraine. According to L’Equipe, PSG had already warned the national team’s medical staff about Dembélé’s fatigue, even sending a medical report. The club, however, claims they received no response.

In a strongly worded statement, PSG stressed their loyalty to the French national team but demanded a formal medical coordination system between clubs and federations to ensure transparent, documented communication about player fitness.

Deschamps was unimpressed. The France manager insisted that if the players were selected, there were no medical red flags:

“If they played, it means there were no issues. I make the decisions, I take responsibility. Of course, interests may differ, but I always consider all available information and how the players feel — even if they always want to play.”

For Deschamps, resting his stars during the opening stages of World Cup qualification was never an option. Dropped points early in the campaign could have been fatal. Still, the French media believes he took an unnecessary gamble. And with Zinedine Zidane long rumored to be waiting in the wings, Deschamps’ margin for error is razor thin.

A Wider European Problem

The fallout isn’t just limited to PSG. Reports suggest at least seven other elite clubs are facing injury crises caused by the break:

  • AC Milan and Manchester United both lost full-backs (Pervis Estupiñán and Diogo Dalot).
  • Napoli, under defensive-minded Antonio Conte, are without Amir Rrahmani, a key center-back.
  • Athletic Bilbao tied Nico Williams down to a new contract only for him to spend over a month sidelined after Spain duty.

And the list goes on.

Unsurprisingly, Manchester City and Barcelona are tipped to join PSG in demanding structural reform. Pep Guardiola has repeatedly criticized FIFA for its congested calendar, while Barça have previously considered drastic measures, including withdrawing Dani Olmo from national duty over registration disputes.

Why FIFA Should Worry

PSG’s statement may not have been intended as an attack on Deschamps personally, but it could set a precedent. If more clubs follow suit, FIFA and UEFA will face mounting pressure to rethink the international calendar and introduce stricter player welfare protocols.

For now, Deschamps insists he is protecting his players. But in the eyes of PSG and potentially other European giants, his risk-taking could become a catalyst for long-overdue reform.

Published by Patrick Jane
12.09.2025