Qatar May Withdraw from PSG Ownership

According to reports from RMC Sport, Qatar is considering ending its investment in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This possibility has arisen following the indictment of the club’s president, which has reportedly led to threats from the investment fund to cease its activities at the helm of PSG.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG’s president, has been indicted for alleged complicity in abuse of power and vote-buying. The Qatari executive is accused of using his influence to sway Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) vote in the 2018 elections for the governance of the Lagardère group, a French industrial conglomerate.

These accusations against the club’s top official have reportedly alarmed the Qatari group. RMC reports that they are contemplating ending their activities in France altogether. A Qatari source cited in the RMC Sport article expressed frustration with what they perceive as constant criticism and unfair treatment in France.

Al-Khelaifi has expressed surprise at the indictment, stating that his role was limited to relaying information and denying any direct influence in the matter.

QIA, PSG’s majority shareholder since 2011, also has investments in other entities such as BeIN Sports. The French media outlet reports that if the Qatari fund were to abandon PSG, it would cease all its investments in France. This could significantly impact French football, which is already struggling following the departure of star players like Mbappé, Messi, and Neymar.

Currently, BeIN broadcasts one Ligue 1 match per round for €100 million. If this arrangement were to end, it would exacerbate the French league’s broadcasting crisis, which is already facing issues with other broadcasters like DAZN reportedly refusing to pay half of the amounts owed in February.

While nothing is conclusive yet, these developments highlight the tense relationship between Qatar and PSG. The situation’s evolution and Qatar’s subsequent actions remain to be seen.