French prosecutors have launched an investigation into Nasser al-Khelaifi, the Qatari president of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), over allegations of an illegal conflict of interest. The probe is linked to his dual roles as PSG president and chairman of beIN Media Group. Al-Khelaifi's lawyer has denied the allegations, stating that his client has "always acted in an independent, impartial and objective manner".
The investigation centers around a meeting in July 2024 between al-Khelaifi and representatives of the French football league, where beIN Sports made a 100-million-euro offer to broadcast one Ligue 1 match per week. The league later accepted the offer. Anticor, an anti-graft association, alleges that al-Khelaifi's involvement in the discussions created a conflict of interest, as he was also serving as chairman of beIN Media Group.
Anticor also claims that al-Khelaifi exerted pressure on other Ligue 1 club presidents to support the beIN Sports proposal. However, al-Khelaifi's lawyer, Renaud Semerdjian, has rejected these claims, stating that they are "without basis, neither legally nor factually". The investigation was launched in April after a tip-off from Anticor.
This is not the first time al-Khelaifi has faced legal issues. In February 2025, he was charged with complicity in abuse of power concerning shareholder voting at a company. Previous charges against him for alleged corruption over Qatar's bids for the 2017 and 2019 World Athletics Championships were annulled in February 2023.
Al-Khelaifi has been PSG president since the club's 2011 takeover by Qatar Sports Investments. He has been instrumental in the team's success, including winning the Champions League title. The investigation into al-Khelaifi's activities has raised questions about the governance of French football and potential conflicts of interest.
The probe into al-Khelaifi's activities is ongoing, with proceedings entrusted to the anti-corruption and finance police. The investigation could have implications for PSG and the French football league, as well as al-Khelaifi's own reputation and future in the sport.
Al-Khelaifi's lawyer has maintained that his client has acted with integrity and will cooperate with the investigation. The outcome of the probe is uncertain, but it highlights the scrutiny faced by high-profile figures in French football and the importance of transparency and accountability in the sport.
Key points
- PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi is under investigation in France for an alleged conflict of interest related to his dual roles as PSG president and chairman of beIN Media Group.
- The investigation centers around a meeting in July 2024 where beIN Sports made a 100-million-euro offer to broadcast Ligue 1 matches.
- Al-Khelaifi's lawyer has denied the allegations, stating that his client has acted with integrity and impartiality.
