Tensions are palpable within Paris Saint-Germain after the surprising 0-1 defeat to Botafogo at the Club World Cup on June 20, 2025, in Pasadena. President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, known for his uncompromising demands, issued an ultimatum to coach Luis Enrique, ordering him to remove five players from the starting roster. “There is no place here for those who do not respect the team and who play casually,” he declared firmly, according to sources close to the club. This decision comes at a time when PSG, the reigning European champions, are facing a wave of criticism after a performance deemed unworthy of their status.
The investigation ordered by FIFA, which summoned two Parisian players for suspected irregularities in the same match, amplified the crisis. Although the investigation’s findings pointed to an external network rather than the players themselves, the club’s image took a hit. Al-Khelaïfi, determined to restore PSG’s honor, appears to be making an example of himself. The names of the five players targeted have not been officially revealed, but speculation is rife. Some observers point to executives deemed too complacent, while others point to young talents accused of lacking discipline.
Luis Enrique, under pressure, must now navigate the balance between his president’s wishes and the need to maintain team cohesion ahead of the crucial match against Benfica Lisbon. The Spanish coach, renowned for his rigorous tactical approach, had already expressed his frustration after the defeat to Botafogo, lamenting a lack of intensity. “We dominated, but we weren’t sharp enough,” he analyzed. However, complying with Al-Khelaïfi’s request could upset the balance of a team already shaken by recent events.
The atmosphere in the locker room is tense. Vitinha, one of the few players to have shone recently, tried to calm things down by paying tribute to a teammate during the last match, a gesture welcomed by the fans. But this moment of solidarity contrasts with rumors of internal dissension. Some players, aware of Al-Khelaïfi’s demands, have reportedly already begun discussions with their agents to anticipate a possible departure. The Qatari president, who has invested hundreds of millions to make PSG a world power, tolerates no deviation, especially in such a prestigious competition.
Supporters, for their part, are divided. On social media, some support Al-Khelaïfi’s firmness, believing
