Toulouse FC Reinstates Player After Rainbow Jersey Controversy Investigation

The case had started when the Moroccan player had refused to wear a rainbow-colored jersey during an initiative by the Professional Football League (LFP) against homophobia. It had taken a more serious turn with an alleged altercation between Zakaria Aboukhlal and Laurence Arribagé during the speech of Téfécé coach Philippe Montanier at the Capitole.

According to the testimonies cited by RMC, Zakaria Aboukhlal would have declared: "In my country, women do not speak to men like that", quickly sparking controversy. The player had then, according to the radio, demanded apologies from the municipal deputy.

Following the controversy, Toulouse FC had taken immediate action by sidelining the player and launching a thorough internal investigation to shed light on the incident. In an official statement released earlier this week, the club had described the allegations as "serious" and announced that Zakaria Aboukhlal would henceforth train separately from the professional group.