Aminata Diallo: Soccer star released after arrest in connection with assault on teammate

Aminata Diallo, the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) women’s soccer team player who was arrested in connection with the October 4 assault of her teammate following a night-out, was released without charge last week.

Diallo, 26, was arrested on November 10 after her teammate Kheira Hamraoui was attacked by two men the week prior, Face2Face Africa reported. The assault occurred while Hamraoui was in the company of Diallo and two other teammates following a club dinner in Paris.

In the wake of the incident, there were reports Diallo may have had a hand in the assault, and the motive behind it allegedly stemmed from playing time, Marca reported. Hamraoui and Diallo are defensive midfielders, and they vie for the same position at both PSG and the French national team.

But Diallo has debunked those allegations. The 26-year-old’s lawyers also released a statement saying those speculations are untrue. “[We denounce the] totally artificial suggestion of a rivalry between her and Mrs Kheira Hamraoui that would explain why she would target her team-mate,” the statement said.

“This theory does not reflect at all the reality of their relationship.

“[We also condemn the] media speculation which has already condemned her, without justification, and she will not hesitate to launch legal action if necessary against any defamation,” the statement added.

Diallo was dropping Hamraoui off at home when she was attacked by two men. The incident happened in front of Hamraoui’s home. The men, who were wearing ski masks, allegedly pulled Hamraoui out of the car before striking her legs with iron bars for two minutes. The attackers subsequently fled the scene.

Sources said Hamraoui was subsequently transported to the hospital with leg injuries that required stitches. Fortunately, her injuries aren’t career-ending.

Meanwhile, former France international and Barcelona player Eric Abidal is reportedly set to be interviewed by investigators looking into the assault, per Daily Mail. French news outlet Le Monde also reported the suspects yelled “you like to sleep with married men” during the assault. The news outlet also reports that the assault may have stemmed from Abidal having relations with Hamraoui.

Hamraoui was also said to have called Abidal the day after she was assaulted. Investigators also determined Hamraoui’s phone is registered in Abidal’s name, Le Monde reported.

Abidal’s lawyer confirmed he had spoken with him but declined to make any further comments “for now.”