A few weeks ago, tensions and unease were raised within the staff of the Paris Saint-Germain training center. This led to an investigation by the labor inspectorate, followed by an internal inquiry by the CSE (Social and Economic Committee). The latter reached a clear conclusion, according to L’Equipe, with the requested departures of Yohan Cabaye, sporting director, and Lucas Vigneron, head of training center operations.
“Situations of stress, psychological harassment, psychosocial risks, conflicts of interest, and behavioral problems.”
“The CSE has released the conclusions of its investigation, conducted by two employees of the European champions, one representing management and the other the CSE. The two investigators, and this is not always the case in these types of procedures, agreed on their analysis of the climate within the PSG training center in Poissy.”
They interviewed around thirty people who described situations of stress, psychological harassment, psychosocial risks, conflicts of interest, and behavioral problems. The investigation highlights the actions of two managers – Yohan Cabaye, sporting director, and Lucas Vigneron, head of youth academy operations – and calls for their removal from the academy.
“Further analysis is underway by management.”
When contacted, PSG informed us that it was taking “the findings made by the Works Council (CSE) very seriously. Further analysis is underway by management. In this context, the club is not yet able to draw definitive conclusions. An action plan will be implemented as soon as possible in response to the identified situations. The employees concerned will be the first to be informed.”
Of course, one can expect change once the results of an investigation appear to be so clear. However, it’s understandable that PSG wants to fully analyze the situation before making major decisions for the youth academy. It’s better to take the time to consider each position and all the perspectives. This isn’t something that should be rushed.
The goal isn’t to “find scapegoats” and expel them. It’s important to understand what worked and what didn’t, because not everything was a failure, and to make the necessary adjustments. Sometimes, it’s more about the system than about individuals. Even though those individuals, in this case Cabaye and Vigneron, may well be at fault. Let’s allow PSG to do the necessary work.
There will undoubtedly be changes soon within PSG’s youth academy, a crucial point for the club; it remains to be seen exactly what those changes will be.
