Paris Saint-Germain defender Lucas Hernández is at the center of a legal storm in France. According to reports from Paris-Match, the French international is under investigation for alleged human trafficking and “illegal labor” practices following a complaint by a Colombian family.
The Allegations
The Versailles Prosecutor’s Office confirmed this Wednesday that an official probe is underway. The complaint was filed by a Colombian couple with three children, who claim they worked for the footballer and his wife, Victoria Triay, for over a year under “irregular conditions.”
Lola Dubois, the lawyer representing the family, told AFP that the complainants were subjected to:
- Extreme Working Hours: Reportedly between 70 and 80 hours per week.
- Lack of Rights: No paid vacations, no days off, and no formal legal documentation.
- Low Compensation: A net monthly payment of approximately €2,000, which the defense describes as exploitation of the family’s “economic vulnerability.”
Dubois has gone as far as to categorize the situation as a form of “modern slavery,” a definition that French judicial authorities are now formally analyzing.
The Defense: “Betrayed Trust”
In a joint statement, Lucas Hernández and Victoria Triay denied all allegations of wrongdoing. The couple claims they acted in good faith, believing the family’s legal status was being regularized through proper channels.
The PSG star stated they feel “manipulated” and described the situation as a “breach of trust.” The defense maintains that they never acted with malicious intent or outside the boundaries of French law.
Impact on PSG
While the investigation is in its preliminary stages, the news adds to a complicated season for the defender. PSG has yet to release an official statement regarding the player’s legal situation. As the judicial process unfolds, the French international remains available for selection, though the gravity of the “human trafficking” charge could lead to significant repercussions if the case proceeds to trial.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
