PSG Chief Al-Khelaifi Faces Legal Charges in Power Abuse Case

Paris Saint-Germain’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been formally charged with complicity in an abuse of power case, as reported on February 5th. This development is part of a broader investigation into French businessman Arnaud Lagardère and an alleged attempt to manipulate a crucial vote by the Qatari sovereign fund, which held shares in Lagardère’s company.

A judicial source confirmed that Al-Khelaifi faces charges of complicity in vote buying, obstruction of voting freedom, and abuse of power. Investigators are examining whether Al-Khelaifi used his influence to persuade Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, QIA – then the major shareholder in the Lagardère group – to alter its stance during an internal governance dispute in 2018, potentially in exchange for certain benefits.

The case involves two primary allegations. First, Arnaud Lagardère is suspected of misappropriating approximately €125 million from Lagardère SAS and Lagardère Capital & Management for personal use over several years. Second, the charge against Al-Khelaifi relates to events in 2018 when the Lagardère group was embroiled in a power struggle between different factions.

This isn’t Al-Khelaifi’s first encounter with legal issues. A previous indictment for corruption related to Qatar’s bids for the 2017 and 2019 World Athletics Championships was dismissed in February 2023 by France’s highest court, citing lack of jurisdiction. Additionally, Parisian judges are investigating claims of kidnapping and detention in Qatar, allegedly involving a French-Algerian lobbyist. Al-Khelaifi denies these accusations and has filed a counter-complaint.