PSG hit out at France over Dembele, Doue injuries; ask for new ‘framework for medical coordination’

PSG Slams French Football Federation Over Dembele and Doue Injuries

Paris Saint-Germain is fuming after two of their star players, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, picked up injuries while playing for the France national team. The Ligue 1 giants have blasted the French Football Federation (FFF) for what they call a "serious and entirely avoidable" mess. Now, PSG is pushing hard for a new coordination protocol between clubs and national team medical staff to protect players better.

The drama unfolded during France’s match against Ukraine. Dembele, the Ballon d’Or contender, came on at halftime but limped off in the 81st minute holding his right hamstring. PSG confirmed it’s a serious hamstring injury, sidelining him for six weeks. Doue, meanwhile, suffered a right calf strain and left at halftime—he’ll be out for about four weeks.

Both players will miss PSG’s big Champions League clash against Barcelona on October 1, plus other key games in domestic and European competitions. No wonder the club is angry! Reports say PSG is especially upset with France head coach Didier Deschamps over how things went down.

In a strong statement released on Sunday, PSG didn’t hold back. They accused the national team setup of causing "significant sporting damage" to the players and the club. The team called for "immediate and meaningful changes" right away.

PSG explained that they shared detailed medical reports with the FFF before the international break. These reports highlighted the players’ physical limits and injury risks, but the national team’s medical staff ignored them completely. On top of that, there was zero communication or collaboration with PSG’s own medical team. Ouch!

Here’s what the statement said: "Following the confirmation of injuries to its players called up to the French national team, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue—with significant sporting consequences for the players and the club—Paris Saint-Germain sent a letter to the French Football Federation urgently calling for a new medical-sports coordination protocol between clubs and the national team. This should be more transparent and collaborative, making the health of players and their medical support an absolute priority."

They added: "Paris Saint-Germain, which monitors its players’ medical needs throughout the year and has access to precise and detailed information, had provided the Federation with concrete medical information—even before the start of the French national team’s training session—on the workload its players could bear and the risk of injury. The club deplores the fact that these medical recommendations were not taken into account by the French national team’s medical staff, as well as the total lack of consultation with its medical teams."

PSG isn’t stopping there. They’re demanding a structural protocol to prevent future France national team injuries like this. "Paris Saint-Germain, which wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the federal mission and to the French team, whose influence constitutes a fully shared objective, hopes that these regrettable events will pave the way for the establishment of a new formalised framework for medical coordination," the statement continued.

It wrapped up by stressing the need for "systematic, documented and reciprocal exchanges" between club and national team doctors, plus a stronger focus on player safety—especially for those already dealing with issues. "The recent serious and avoidable incidents must result in swift and immediate corrective action. The Club stands ready to actively contribute to this collective effort, in the interest of the players and professional football as a whole."

This clash highlights growing tensions between clubs and national teams over player welfare in international breaks. Fans are watching closely as PSG gears up for a tough stretch without their key stars. Will the FFF step up and make changes? Stay tuned for updates on Dembele injury recovery and PSG’s push for better football protocols.