New Delhi: Paris Saint-Germain could be heading for an uncertain future after club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was formally indicted on 5th February. According to Agence France Presse, the charges include complicity in vote-buying, infringement on voting freedom, and abuse of power. The case revolves around a reported attempt to influence a crucial vote by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, which was a shareholder in French businessman Arnaud Lagardère’s group.
The news has sent shockwaves through both Paris and Doha, with reports suggesting that Qatari officials are furious over the legal proceedings. According to RMC Sport journalist Arthur Perrot, Qatar is now considering withdrawing all investments from France—including its ownership of PSG and its media network beIN Sports. If this happens, it could change the club’s entire future, as PSG has relied on Qatari funding for over a decade.
Qatar’s reaction and potential PSG fallout
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain, applauds the fans prior to the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain at Signal Iduna Park on May 01, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
RMC Sport claims Qatari officials feel that Al-Khelaifi is being unfairly targeted, with one source close to the Qatari government calling the situation “pure abuse.” The source alleged that Qatar is constantly blamed for France’s problems and criticised unfairly despite its investments in the country. The frustration has reportedly led to serious discussions about pulling financial support from France altogether.
If Qatar follows through on its threats, PSG could face a financial crisis. Since QSI took over the club in 2011, their backing has helped turn PSG into one of the biggest names in European football. They have spent record-breaking sums to sign superstars like Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe, cementing PSG’s dominance in Ligue 1 and making them a Champions League contender.
However, without Qatari investment, PSG’s financial strength would weaken significantly. The club’s transfer policy, wage structure, and ability to compete at the highest level could all take a hit. Selling top players or adjusting their spending model might become necessary if alternative investors do not step in.
Al-Khelaifi’s defence and previous legal battles
🚨 | Qatari officials are threatening to withdraw investment from PSG & BeIn Sports over Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s recent indictment. (RMC Sport) ⬇️https://t.co/8r2eUdZC49
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) February 13, 2025
Al-Khelaifi’s spokesperson has denied the allegations, stating: “This case has nothing to do with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. His name is being used improperly, and in a few years, this case will collapse in silence.”
This is not the first time Al-Khelaifi has faced legal issues. In 2023, corruption charges against him related to Qatar’s bids for the 2017 and 2019 World Athletics Championships were dismissed. Additionally, Parisian judges are investigating accusations involving the alleged kidnapping of French-Algerian lobbyist Tayeb Benabderrahmane in Qatar. Al-Khelaifi has strongly denied those claims and even filed a counter-complaint.
With his latest indictment, however, the stakes are higher than ever. If legal troubles continue, it could impact his position as PSG’s president and further complicate the club’s ownership situation.
PSG faces uncertainty as president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is indicted, with Qatar considering withdrawing investments, potentially impacting the club’s future, finances, and ability to compete at the highest level. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
