Psg Women

Hamraoui is the Paris Saint-Germain footballer who was struck with an iron bar by masked attackers outside her home on November 4.

Police investigations into that attack are reported to have led to the discovery of a link between Hamraoui and Abidal, in the shape of a phone chip in Abidal's name being used by Hamraoui.

According to a widely referenced statement from Hayet Abidal's lawyer, Nicolas Cellupica, that was first released to the AFP news agency, the discovery of the phone chip prompted the former footballer to admit he had strayed.

The 42-year-old has now asked his wife to forgive him.

Hamraoui was a member of Barcelona's women's team when Abidal was director of football at the Spanish club from 2018 to 2020, and she moved to PSG in July of this year.

Abidal wrote on Instagram on Tuesday: "Hayet Abidal forgive me. Whatever your decision, you will remain in my eyes the woman of my life, and especially the mother of our wonderful children.

"I deserve this humiliation even if it kills me alive. El hamdouli'allah. An sha' allah one day you will forgive me."

Hamraoui is recovering from the attack for which her PSG team-mate Aminata Diallo was initially considered a suspect.

Diallo has since been released without charge, having strenuously insisted she is innocent of any wrongdoing as police investigations continue.

Hamraoui has not made a public comment on the claims she and Abidal had a relationship.

PSG confirmed Diallo confirmed Versailles Police had arrested Diallo, 26, following an incident last Thursday.

The French club did not name the player who was attacked and are assisting police to "clarify the facts."

A club statement said: "Paris Saint-Germain can confirm that Aminata Diallo was taken into custody this morning by the Versailles Regional Police Service as part of the proceedings opened following an attack on the club's player last Thursday evening.

"Paris Saint-Germain condemns in the strongest possible terms the violence committed.

"Since Thursday evening the club has taken all necessary measures to guarantee the health, well-being and safety of its entire women's team.

"Paris Saint-Germain is working with the Versailles Police to clarify the facts. The club is paying close attention to the progress of the proceedings and will study what action to take."

Holders Barca saw their run of 45 successive wins come to an end in Saturday's 2-0 semi-final second-leg defeat to Wolfsburg, but they still advanced 5-3 on aggregate.

The Catalan club are into their third final in four seasons and will be looking to retain the trophy they won for a first time last year when they take on Lyon in Turin on May 21.

Lyon, who with seven titles are the most successful side in the competition's history, beat domestic rivals Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 in the second leg to win the tie 5-3 on aggregate.

That match at the Parc des Princes was watched by 43,254, a record for a women's club game in France.

Barca recently set the record for the highest attendance for a women's club game with 91,648 in attendance for the first leg of the Wolfsburg semi-final.

And Bacha believes Barca deserve huge credit for helping to lift the women's game both on and off the field.

"They are helping European football evolve. They play in a similar way to the men's team and are an example to the rest of women's football," she said.

"When you hear 'Barcelona versus Lyon in the final', it sounds great. I hope there are going to be a lot of fans who come. And we'll do all we can to win it."

Lyon have lost only three of their last 44 Women's Champions League matches and have only failed to score in one of their last 36 European games.

Ada Hegerberg opened the scoring for the French side on Saturday with a record-extending 58th goal in the Women's Champions League, and had another ruled out.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto gave PSG hope when scrambling in, but Wendie Renard made sure of progression for Lyon.

"We wanted to come to Paris in an attacking frame of mind," Lyon forward Hegerberg said. "The atmosphere was magnificent. It was a great evening of football. 

"We have to keep going as we are. It's not over, but it's great what we've done. I'm proud of the girls. It was tough. We're going to prepare for the final."

Runners-up to Lyon last year, a fourth successive victory in this season's competition would have seen Emma Hayes' side through Group A with two games to spare.

However, they were forced to settle for a point at Estadio Alfredo di Stefano after Guro Reiten's penalty, which cannoned in off goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez, cancelled out an earlier effort from Caroline Weir.

Paris Saint-Germain leapfrogged Madrid to second place in Group A following a commanding 4-0 victory over Vllaznia, whose elimination was subsequently confirmed.

Kadidiatou Diani scored twice while Ramona Bachmann and Magnaba Folquet were also on target for PSG, who will be through with victory over Madrid when they clash at Parc des Princes next week. 

Elsewhere, two-time champions Wolfsburg are the first side through to this season's quarter-finals after an entertaining 4-2 win over Roma.

Ewa Pajor's brace, which took her group-stage tally to six goals, sandwiched strikes from SveindIs Jonsdottir and Lena Lattwein, ensuring efforts from Andressa Alves Da Silva and Sophie Roman Haug were merely consolations for Roma.

The German side's 11th last-eight appearance in as many continental campaigns was confirmed after St Polten failed to beat Slavia Praha in the other Group B encounter.

The Czech outfit netted their first goal of the campaign through Kristyna Ruzickova, but Mateja Zver's free-kick means they can no longer qualify for the knockout phase.

Emma Hayes' team knew a draw would suffice as they targeted first place on Thursday, but they ultimately enjoyed a routine outing as James added to Sam Kerr's first-half stunner.

Kerr fired into the top-right corner from 20 yards out to hand Chelsea the lead, before James added two well-taken finishes as the Blues finished their group-stage campaign with an unbeaten record.

In the group's other game, Real Madrid bowed out on a positive note as Teresa Abelleira scored twice in a 5-1 rout of Vllaznia, with Scotland international Caroline Weir also on the scoresheet.

In Group B, meanwhile, two-time champions Wolfsburg clinched top spot by thrashing Austrian side St Polten 8-2 away from home, with eight different players netting for the visitors.

Roma will join Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals after wrapping up their campaign with a 3-0 victory at Slavia Praha, with Valentina Giacinti, Beata Kollmats and Elena Linari scoring as the Italians finished one point behind the German giants.

Emma Hayes' Blues sealed their place in the last eight with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Albanian outfit Vllaznia, with goals for Sophie Ingle, Fran Kirby, Katerina Svitkova and Maren Mjelde.

That proved enough to secure top spot in Group A as they qualified for the knockout rounds with a game to spare alongside PSG, at Madrid's expense.

Elisa de Almeida and Kadidiatou Diani struck to help the French side inflict a 2-1 loss upon Las Blancas, with Claudia Zornoza's late effort in vain as they crashed out of Europe.

Elsewhere, doubles for Benedetta Glionna and Manuela Giugliano saw Roma cruise past St Polten in a 5-0 rout after shrugging off an early weather delay.

That also saw the Italian side through to the quarter-finals, though they may have to settle for second in Group B, with Wolfsburg still at the summit despite a goalless draw with Slavia Prague.

The goalkeeper was at United for five years, helping them to lift their first-ever FA Cup in May.

However, they failed to challenge for the Women's Super League title last season, finishing fifth, 20 points behind winners Chelsea.

Earps' biggest successes have come in an England shirt, with their European Championship victory in 2022, while she was also awarded the Golden Glove at the 2023 World Cup, in which the Lionesses reached the final.

She joined PSG as a free agent in July, signing a two-year deal with the club, who finished as runners-up in the Premiere League last season and are set to play for a sixth-straight season in the Women's Champions League.

Earps admitted that while it was a difficult decision to leave Manchester, she is hungry for even more success.

"I cannot wait. I'm so excited to get going," Earps told the Tooney & Russo show.

"It was a tough decision to make because I was there [at United] for so long and I have great relationships with people, so you don't just pick your life up and move on a whim.

"But equally, the opportunity to play for a great team in top competitions, being in a position to win silverware, I've been fortunate enough to have a really good few years and win a few trophies, and it's just a feeling that's hard to explain because people think she's won some silverware, she's done.

"But it's like an itch you can never scratch enough. I'm looking forward to doing that and hopefully adding a few trophies to the cabinet."

Earps started all 22 of United's WSL matches last season, keeping seven clean sheets and making 60 saves.

She was one of three players to leave the Red Devils on a free transfer at the end of last season, with captain Katie Zelem and forward Lucia Garcia also leaving the club.

The 2021-22 runners-up Barcelona will take on Roma in the last eight, while Paris Saint-Germain play Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich come up against Arsenal.

The first legs are scheduled for March 21 and 22, with the return fixtures a week later.

The semi-final draw was also made on Friday, with the winners of PSG and Wolfsburg set to face the winners of Bayern and Arsenal, while the winners of Lyon and Chelsea will go up against the winners of Barca and Roma.

Eindhoven will host the final on June 3.

Lyon had dominated the top tier of women's football in France, their stranglehold on the league dating back to 2007.

PSG had finished second on eight occasions during that period, but that changed thanks to a 3-0 home win over Dijon in their final game of the season.

French capital club PSG went into the final round a point clear atop the table following their goalless draw away to rivals Lyon in the penultimate fixture.

PSG got their hands on the trophy thanks to goals from Sara Dabritz, captain Irene Paredes and Jordyn Huitema, despite Lyon's 8-0 demolition of Fleury 91.

Olivier Echouafni's PSG went through the league campaign undefeated after 22 games, winning 20 matches, while scoring 83 goals and conceding just four times.

It is not the first time PSG have snapped a Lyon streak in 2020-21.

Lyon suffered their first Division 1 Feminine loss in four years, the club's incredible streak halted by PSG in November.

The dominant force of women's football in France and Europe, Lyon's 80-match unbeaten league run – which featured 75 wins – was ended following a 1-0 loss.

Not since December 2016 had Lyon tasted league defeat.

PSG also upstaged Lyon after extra time in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals this season.

The dominant force of women's football in France and Europe, Lyon's 80-match unbeaten league run – which featured 75 wins – was ended following a 1-0 loss.

Not since December 2016 had Lyon tasted league defeat, the 14-time reigning champions upstaged by PSG 1-0 in the French capital.

PSG got the better of Lyon again at Parc des Princes, where Marie-Antoinette Katoto's 10th-minute goal settled the contest.

With the shock result, PSG moved top of the table by one point ahead of seven-time European champions and Champions League holders Lyon through nine matches.

Olle-Nicolle took charge of PSG at the end of last season following their D1 Feminine title success.

PSG are second in the table this season, needing to beat title rivals Lyon in their penultimate game on Sunday to keep their slim championship hopes alive.

But preparations for that game have been overshadowed by allegations made relating to Olle-Nicolle that, the club say, "if confirmed, would be incompatible with the sporting and human values of Paris Saint-Germain".

A statement late on Tuesday read: "Paris Saint-Germain was informed today of inappropriate behaviour and remarks to which members of its women's team have allegedly been exposed.

"These facts and statements, if confirmed, would be incompatible with the sporting and human values of Paris Saint-Germain.

"Paris Saint-Germain takes the situation very seriously and intends to shed light on the facts and remarks reported.

"In this context and in order to preserve the interests of all stakeholders, the coach of the women's team has been put on leave today, by mutual agreement with Paris Saint-Germain.

"This measure is of a precautionary and temporary nature. It does not prejudge in any way the results of the internal investigation that will be conducted, nor the decisions that the club may have to take."

The French club announced in a statement on Tuesday that Olle-Nicolle will not be involved in team duties while an internal investigation takes place.

Olle-Nicolle, 61, has been in charge since July 2021.

"Paris Saint-Germain has been made aware of inappropriate behaviour and remarks that members of its Women's Team have been exposed to," a PSG statement read.

"These remarks and events, if confirmed, would be incompatible with Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting and human values.

"Paris Saint-Germain is taking this situation seriously and intends to bring to light the reported events and remarks.

"In order to protect the interests of all parties, the coach of the Women's Team has been suspended today, in agreement with Paris Saint-Germain. 

"This is a fair and temporary measure. It will not prejudice the internal investigation that will be undertaken, nor impact the decisions that the club may be led to take."

PSG are second in the French top flight and host leaders Lyon, who are five points better off, in their penultimate game of the campaign on Sunday.

They won the French Cup earlier this month and also reached the last four of the Women's Champions League, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Lyon.

Versaille Police had arrested Diallo, 26, following an alleged incident last Thursday. The French club did not name the player who was said to have been attacked and are assisting police to "clarify the facts."

In their latest statement, PSG said: "Paris Saint-Germain notes the release of Aminata Diallo from police custody.

"The club continues to support its players to allow them to overcome this ordeal as soon as possible.

"Paris Saint-Germain reiterates its confidence in the justice system to shed full light on the events.

"The club would like to thank everyone for showing restraint and respecting the presumption of innocence as well as the privacy of the team."

The Norwegian curled home after 28 minutes in France to hand the Blues a 1-0 lead ahead of the reverse fixture in London.

Lyon were guilty of missing a number of opportunities in the first half, although Lauren James could have added a second for Chelsea when she hit the post.

Delphine Cascarino similarly struck the woodwork for Lyon after half-time, with the eight-time champions now needing a turnaround in the second leg if their title defence is to continue.

This has already been a spectacular year for the women's game in Europe, with Euro 2022 a roaring success, but the club game is going from strength to strength, too.

The continent's biggest clubs are throwing their support behind women's teams, and although this means some early adopters are being squeezed out, the Champions League is growing in quality and professionalism year by year. This is the second year that has featured a group stage, another sign of progress.

Here, Stats Perform looks at the 2022-23 tournament and its rich promise, with 16 teams vying to reach the final at Philips Stadion in Eindhoven in June.

Before the rise of the Lionesses, there was Lyon... and they are the UWCL queens

French club Lyon have set a high bar with their support and investment in women's football, led by owner Jean-Michel Aulas.

Their first Champions League title came in 2010-11, and last season they landed the trophy for an eighth time with a 3-1 triumph against Barcelona in Turin.

Barcelona headed into that May showpiece in imperious form, but Lyon led 3-0 inside 33 minutes. Putellas pulled one goal back, but it was not to be her day, or Barcelona's.

Instead, Lyon were celebrating, and perhaps nobody more so than Ada Hegerberg, their star Norwegian striker. Battling her way back to full fitness after a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament kept her sidelined for over 18 months, Hegerberg had a goal and an assist in the final.

"I couldn't imagine winning the Champions League a year ago," Hegerberg said that night. "Coming back from injury and getting back to this level is extremely inspiring and I am very grateful."

Now Putellas faces a similar journey. The Barcelona and Spain star, recognised as the world's best player, sustained a major ACL injury on the eve of Euro 2022, and if she plays again this season it will not be until the closing weeks.

Contenders queueing up

Expect Lyon to be strong again of course, but they start with a major test against Arsenal, who have Euro 2022 Golden Ball winner and Ballon d'Or runner-up Beth Mead in their ranks.

Arsenal, of course, have a power couple on and off the pitch in Mead and the brilliant Vivianne Miedema, so Jonas Eidevall's side could push Lyon for top spot in Group C, which also includes Juventus and Zurich.

Of course, such star players may see this competition as a chance to stake a claim for next year's Ballon d'Or.

Barcelona are much changed from last season, with the likes of Jenni Hermoso, Lieke Martens and Melanie Serrano no longer a part of their team. Hermoso and Martens moved on, to Pachuca and Paris Saint-Germain respectively, while Serrano retired at the age of 32, having been a first-team regular since her late teens.

Brazil striker Geyse has joined from Madrid CFF, while Euro 2022 winners Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh arrived from Manchester City. The loss of Putellas is a big blow, and how Barcelona cope without her against Europe's elite will be a key narrative of the coming months. Bayern Munich, Rosenborg and Benfica are their Group D rivals.

Chelsea were runners-up in 2020-21 but last season saw Emma Hayes' team eliminated on goal difference at the group stage, after they and top two Wolfsburg and Juventus finished tied on 11 points. Hayes is taking time away after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy. The Blues, who have Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby, Millie Bright and Pernille Harder among a star-packed squad, face Real Madrid, PSG and Vllaznia in Group A.

Wolfsburg are hardy perennials of the Women's Champions League and won the trophy back to back in 2012-13 and 2013-14, also finishing runners-up three times. They face Slavia Prague, St Polten and Roma in Group B. With Alexandra Popp fighting fit after the injury that prevented her facing England in the Euro 2022 final, and Lena Oberdorf patrolling midfield, Wolfsburg may not be far away again this season.

Story so far

Manchester City and Real Madrid went head-to-head early in the qualifying stage, and it was City that were squeezed out, losing 1-0 thanks to a goal from Caroline Weir, a player who left the English club to move to the Spanish capital just weeks earlier.

Hopes of a Dutch team reaching the Eindhoven final have already been dashed, with Ajax and Twente eliminated in the preliminaries. Arsenal edged out Ajax 3-2 on aggregate, with Miedema getting the deciding goal, while Twente were ousted by Benfica.

The make-up of this competition has changed immensely over the course of the last 20 years, reflecting the rise of teams being backed by traditionally strong men's clubs.

In 2002-03, the quarter-final line-up consisted of Umea, Toulouse, HJK, Frankfurt, SK Trondheims-Orn, Fortuna Hjorring, CSK VVS Samara and Arsenal.

Swedish side Umea crushed Fortuna Hjorring 7-1 on aggregate in a two-leg final of what was then known as the UEFA Women's Cup.

In name and character, it emphatically belongs to the Champions League family of competitions now, many of the teams that defined its early days no longer a factor. Women's football has gone big-time, and this season's competition should underline that message.

The 23-year-old scored in the opening 5-1 win against Italy but was forced out of Thursday's 2-1 victory over Belgium after sustaining a right knee problem early in the game.

Speaking after the game, France head coach Corinne Diacre said she believed Katoto's injury to be a sprain; however, tests on Friday showed it was significantly more serious.

Katoto has scored 26 goals in 32 internationals, and her form for club side Paris Saint-Germain marked her out as the team's most obvious match-winner.

She has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, pointing to a lengthy spell out of action for club and country.

A national team statement on the French Football Federation (FFF) website said: "Injured in the right knee, the striker of Les Bleues will not take part in the rest of Euro 2022 in England and will leave the group.

"Examinations carried out today confirm a sprained right knee with damage to the anterior cruciate ligament. She is made available to her club. The French women's team and the FFF wish her a good recovery."

Diacre left France's record scorer Eugenie Le Sommer out of her squad for the finals, which may come back to haunt the coach.

Already assured of a place in the quarter-finals, France conclude their group campaign against Iceland in Rotherham on Monday.