Former Utah Royal Cleared Of Wrongdoing In PSG Teammate Attack
Nov 16, 2021, 10:42 AM
Eric Abidal is seen participating in a Q&A with fans on February 21, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. In partnership with UEFA, Kia Motors and the UEFA Foundation for Children, the UEFA Europa League Trophy Tour will see donated football boots be taken to young Syrian refugees at the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan, empowering them to play the sport they love. (Photo by Xavi Torrent/Getty Images for Right Formula)
(Photo by Xavi Torrent/Getty Images for Right Formula)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Royal Aminata Diallo has been released from custody following an investigation into the attack on her fellow Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kheira Hamraoui two weeks ago.
The investigation is ongoing, however, former French international and Barcelona star Eric Abidal is not being questioned by authorities regarding his involvement in orchestrating the attack.
According to reports, Hamraoui was dragged out of Diallo’s car by two men wearing balaclavas following a team dinner on November 4th. The two men repeatedly struck Hamraoui’s legs with iron bars resulting in the midfielder requiring stitches on both legs, she is still recovering from the injuries she sustained.
Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal will be questioned by the police in the next few days over the alleged attack on PSG's Kheira Hamraoui. https://t.co/3isng6jZyA
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 15, 2021
Diallo was originally thought to have instigated the attack due to the ongoing competition for playing time at both the international and club level with Hamraoui. The pair play the same position; defensive midfielder and both compete for playing time alongside one and another on the club and international stage.
However, since Diallo has been cleared of any wrongdoing, the attention has quickly moved onto Abidal.
In 2018, prior to Hamraoui’s signing at PSG, she signed with Spanish giants Barcelona. At the time of her signing, Abidal was the acting Technical Director of the world-renowned club.
Sources confirmed to ESPN that Hamraoui made a phone call to Abidal on the morning of the attack. Abidal’s wife, Hayet, is also likely to be quizzed by authorities regarding the attack. It is rumored, but not yet confirmed, that an extramarital affair may have been occurring between Abidal and Hamraoui. Hamraoui’s cell phone is registered under Abidal’s name, reports confirm.
