Pressure Mounts on PSG’s Nasser Al-Khelaifi Amid Paris Prosecutor’s Inquiry

Preliminary investigation targets PSG president

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the president of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is now facing increased legal pressure. The preliminary investigation, reported by a major French publication, has been initiated by the Paris prosecutor’s office. This development occurs approximately six months following a report submitted by the watchdog group, Anticor.

Allegations of illegal interest

Al-Khelaifi, aged 52, is suspected of “illegal taking of interests” related to the allocation of broadcasting rights for Ligue 1 matches during the summer of 2024. At that time, rights distribution saw DAZN securing eight matches, while beIN Sports received rights for one match.

Potential conflict of interest

As the president of beIN Media France and a board member of the French Professional Football League (LFP), Al-Khelaifi is accused of attempting to influence voting processes favoring his group. This scenario presents a clear risk of conflict of interest.

Defending against accusations

Al-Khelaifi and his associates have dismissed Anticor’s allegations as “absurd.” Known for its anti-corruption efforts, Anticor has been involved in several high-profile cases, including the Libya-Sarkozy trial and ongoing legal proceedings involving Rachida Dati and Carlos Ghosn.