Yahoo Sports PSG's Aminata Diallo released without charge, police still investigating attack on teammate
Aminata Diallo, midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain, was released from police custody on Thursday and was not charged with any crimes in connection to the attack on her teammate Kheira Hamraoui.
Diallo was arrested on Wednesday as part of the investigation into Hamraoui's attack. On Nov. 4, following a team meal at Bois de Boulogne west of Paris, Diallo offered Hamraoui a ride home. According to the New York Times, Hamraoui was pulled from the vehicle while the car was stopped and beaten by two masked men while Diallo was subdued. Hamraoui was admitted to the hospital with injuries to her legs and hands, and had to miss PSG's next game. Diallo started in her place.
PSG released a statement following Diallo's release.
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.
It's common in France for police to arrest people in connection with an investigation. Prosecutors then have 48 hours to file charges or release the person from custody. French Prosecutor Maryvonne Caillibotte told CNN in a statement that it's possible Diallo could be brought back into custody.
"The material in the investigators' possession justified her being put in custody, Versailles prosecutor Maryvonne Caillibotte told CNN in an emailed statement.
"Her release signifies that at this stage the charges are not sufficient to put her before an investigating judge and to put her under formal investigation.
"However, the investigation is ongoing to identify the attackers and their potential accomplices. If new elements become available and concern Ms. Diallo, she may need to be brought back into proceedings."
Diallo's lawyers have released a statement in response to reports that Diallo was an accomplice to the attack because she and Hamraoui were rivals.
"[We denounce the] totally artificial suggestion of a rivalry between her and Mrs Kheira Hamraoui that would explain why she would target her team-mate," read a statement from Diallo's lawyers.
"This theory does not reflect at all the reality of their relationship.
"[We also condemn the] media speculation which has already condemned her, without justification, and she will not hesitate to launch legal action if necessary against any defamation."
