Qatari officials are reportedly threatening to withdraw investment from French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) bought PSG in 2011 and Nasser Al-Khelaifi was appointed as the club’s president. PSG have since enjoyed the most successful period in their history, winning 10 Ligue 1 titles in the last 12 seasons.
However, according to Agence France Presse, Al-Khelaifi was indicted earlier this month with charges of ‘complicity in vote-buying and infringement on voting freedom’ and ‘complicity in abuse of power’. He denies the claim.
The case in question relates to French businessman Arnaud Lagardère and an alleged attempt to influence a vote by the Qatari sovereign fund – a shareholder in his group.
RMC Sport are now reporting that Qatar have responded to the charges brought against Al-Khelaifi by threatening to stop investments in France.
This would include PSG, as well as the sports channel network BeIn Sports.
Charges were brought against PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi (pictured) earlier this month
Qatar are now reportedly threatening to withdraw investment from PSG
If they follow through with their threat, Luis Enrique’s side may have to operate very differently in the transfer market
A source close to the Qatari government told RMC Sport: ‘The Qataris have had enough of these abuses.
‘False legal proceedings, blackmail, daily criticism, being blamed for the total incompetence of others—every problem in France is their fault.
‘Every time they try to help, it’s supposedly for “soft power”. This is pure abuse, and everyone has had enough.’
If Qatar follow through on their threat, this could have a significant impact on PSG, who have spent heavily in recent years.
Neymar and Kylian Mbappe remain the most expensive signings in football history after joining PSG from Barcelona and Monaco, respectively.
PSG were also able to lure Lionel Messi over to France in 2021 with a lucrative financial package after the Argentine icon’s Barcelona contract expired.
But Luis Enrique’s side could have to operate very differently if Qatar stop their investment due to Al-Khelaifi being indicted.
Al-Khelaifi has been indicted before for alleged corruption as part of Qatar’s bids for the 2017 and 2019 World Athletics Championships. The case against him was dismissed in February 2023 by a French court.
He is also under investigation by French judges after being accused of kidnapping and detention in Qatar, with French-Algerian lobbyist Tayeb Benabderrahmane allegedly involved as well.
Al-Khelaifi has denied any wrongdoing and filed a counter-complaint.