French authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of Paris Saint-Germain and chairman of beIN Media Group, on allegations of conflict of interest. The probe, confirmed by the prosecutor's office, relates to a meeting in July 2024 with French football league representatives regarding broadcasting rights. This meeting occurred a day after beIN Sports offered 100 million euros for rights to broadcast one Ligue 1 match per week.
The investigation was initiated in April following a tip-off from the anti-graft Anticor association, with the case entrusted to the anti-corruption and finance police. According to sources close to the case, Anticor alleges that Al-Khelaïfi participated in discussions validating beIN Sports' bid while serving as chairman of beIN Media Group, creating a conflict of interest. Anticor also claims Al-Khelaïfi pressured other Ligue 1 club presidents to support the beIN Sports proposal.
The French professional football league later accepted beIN Sports' offer, with DAZN also acquiring Ligue 1 TV rights. Al-Khelaïfi's lawyer, Renaud Semerdjian, has rejected the allegations, stating they are "without basis, neither legally nor factually." Semerdjian emphasized that his client has "always acted in an independent, impartial and objective manner."
This is not the first time Al-Khelaïfi has faced legal issues. In February 2025, he was charged with complicity in abuse of power concerning shareholder voting at a company. However, previous charges against him for alleged corruption over Qatar's bids for the 2017 and 2019 World Athletics Championships were annulled in February 2023 by France's Court of Cassation.
The Court of Cassation ruled that the French justice system did not have the right to prosecute Al-Khelaïfi in the case of the World Athletics Championships bids. Al-Khelaïfi has been at the helm of PSG since its 2011 takeover by Qatar Sports Investments, with the goal of making the team Europe's best.
As chairman of beIN Media Group, Al-Khelaïfi oversees a major sports broadcasting network. The beIN Media Group has significant influence in the sports broadcasting industry, with beIN Sports offering substantial bids for broadcasting rights. The investigation into Al-Khelaïfi's activities will focus on whether he acted impartially in the negotiations.
The outcome of the investigation may have implications for Al-Khelaïfi's roles at PSG and beIN Media Group. Al-Khelaïfi's leadership at PSG has been marked by significant investment and ambitions for success. The probe into his activities will be closely watched by the sports and business communities.
Key points
- Nasser Al-Khelaïfi faces a French probe for conflict of interest related to his roles at PSG and beIN Media Group.
- The investigation centers on a meeting in July 2024 regarding Ligue 1 broadcasting rights.
- Al-Khelaïfi's lawyer has rejected the allegations, stating they are without basis.
