Wahbi Khazri dismisses Akor Adams’ harassment claims at Montpellier

Wahbi Khazri has firmly rejected Akor Adams’ claims of psychological abuse during his time at Montpellier, calling the Nigerian striker’s accusations exaggerated and unfounded.

Reports from Spanish media alleged that Adams, now playing for Sevilla FC, experienced psychological pressure and harassment from certain figures within the Montpellier dressing room. The claims suggested that internal conflicts led to the Nigerian losing his place in the starting lineup.

Khazri, who captained Montpellier during Adams’ spell at the club, strongly refuted those allegations during an interview on RMC’s Rothen s’enflamme.

The Tunisian forward said the accusations unfairly misrepresented the atmosphere at the club and the relationships among players.

“It’s mind-blowing to hear such claims and to use the word harassment,” Khazri said. “That’s a very serious word. I don’t know what he went through personally, but this is someone who played almost every match.

He was only on the bench three times. I would have liked to be ‘harassed’ like that and still play so often,” he added sarcastically.

Khazri insisted that Adams received full support from his teammates during his early days in France.

He recalled that the squad celebrated each of the striker’s goals with enthusiasm and unity, contrary to the claims of hostility. “When he scored, everyone went to celebrate with him.

The atmosphere was positive. I have nothing against him, but it’s too easy to blame the dressing room when things go wrong,” Khazri said.

Adams joined Montpellier from Norway’s Lillestrøm and enjoyed a strong start to his Ligue 1 career, quickly becoming one of the club’s most talked-about players.

However, his form dipped midway through the season, leading to speculation about tensions between him and senior figures in the team.

Khazri suggested that Adams’ struggles reflected a normal adjustment period rather than any form of mistreatment. “He started well, then he went through a difficult spell,” Khazri explained. “It’s in those moments that great players show character and resilience. That’s what defines top-level football.”

The Tunisian forward’s remarks highlighted his frustration at what he views as unfair portrayals of the Montpellier squad.

He argued that the players worked hard to maintain harmony despite the challenges of a demanding season.

Khazri, now retired from international football, has remained one of the most respected voices in Tunisian and French football.

His defense of Montpellier’s dressing room reflects his ongoing commitment to fairness and professionalism, even after leaving the club.

For Adams, who has since moved to La Liga with Sevilla, the controversy has drawn mixed reactions from fans and media.

While some sympathize with his perspective, others agree with Khazri’s assessment that the claims may have been overstated.

The debate has reignited discussions about locker-room dynamics and the mental pressures faced by professional footballers.

Yet Khazri’s comments underline a broader message — that accountability and resilience remain vital qualities for any player navigating the highs and lows of elite sport.