How "Lofting" Turns French Footballers into Pawns

Player Bullying has cast a dark shadow over the seemingly glamorous world of French football. As the winter Transfer Window heats up, the players' union, UNFP, has taken a bold stand against the barbaric practice of "Lofting", where unwanted players are ostracized and mentally tormented into submission.

Imagine being Kylian Mbappé, the golden boy of French football, frozen out of a pre-season tour and relegated to a lonely training group just for refusing to sign a new contract. This wasn't a nightmare; it was Mbappé's reality, a stark illustration of the Player Bullying epidemic plaguing French football.

Mbappé vs. the System, Can UNFP's Legal Action Stop "Lofting" Bullying?

But Mbappé, with his superstar status, was spared the worst. Over 180 players this season alone have endured the psychological torture of "Lofting." Clubs, blinded by transfer window ambition, weaponize isolation, harassment, and even extortion to force players into unwanted deals.

The UNFP, the voice of French footballers, refuses to stay silent. They've filed a legal complaint with the Paris public prosecutor, accusing clubs of violating the Football Charter and employment law. This isn't just about contracts and transfers; it's about protecting players from moral coercion and safeguarding their mental well-being.

Cases like Adrien Rabiot, ostracized for months by PSG before his Juventus move, and Hatem Ben Arfa, who won a court case against the club for harassment, expose the ugly underbelly of French Football. These aren't isolated incidents; they represent a systemic problem demanding immediate action.

The UNFP's legal action is a watershed moment. It's a defiant roar against Player Bullying and a clarion call for change. This fight isn't just for French footballers; it's for every player globally who deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, even during the ruthless scramble of the Transfer Window.

Whether the UNFP's legal charge succeeds in dismantling "Lofting" remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: French football cannot remain complicit in the bullying of its players. The beautiful game deserves better, and the UNFP has ignited a fight for a fairer, more humane future for footballers across the globe.

Read our blog to be connecetd with real time news.

Follow us on our social networks for better updates Instagram;  Facebook;  X

img via: gettyimages