PSG laugh last as ex-Premier League star loses 7-year case against Ligue 1 giants

In a protracted legal dispute that spanned seven years, former French international Hatem Ben Arfa has seen his claims against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) dismissed by the Court of Cassation, France's highest court. 

The former Newcastle cult hero, had accused PSG of moral harassment following his exclusion from the first team during the 2017–2018 season. 

According to L'Equipe. he initially faced defeat in the industrial tribunal, a partial victory came in March 2023 when the Paris Court of Appeal awarded him €100,000, comprising unpaid wages and an ethical bonus, along with a symbolic €1 in damages for moral harassment .

Despite this, the Court of Cassation's recent decision has nullified the earlier ruling, siding entirely with PSG and bringing the long-standing legal battle to a close.

Ben Arfa's troubles with PSG began in April 2017 after he reportedly made a remark to the Emir of Qatar that offended club president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi.

 Subsequently, the 38-year-old former midfielder was excluded from the first team, did not participate in any matches during the 2017–2018 season, and was relegated to training with the reserve squad. 

Ben Arfa remained under contract but did not feature in any games, leading to his departure from the club in June 2018. Stories like this highlight how football often makes headlines off the pitch as well, drawing global attention much like the rise of online platforms such as casino.online.

The Paris Court of Appeal had previously found that PSG's actions constituted moral harassment, noting that the club's treatment of Ben Arfa was excessive and aimed at pressuring him to leave . 

However, the Court of Cassation has now reversed the verdict to end the dispute once and for all.