PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi under investigation in France for conflict of interest

Paris Saint-Germain's Qatari president, Nasser al-Khelaifi, is currently under investigation in France for alleged conflict of interest, according to prosecutors in Paris. This preliminary probe, confirmed by the prosecutor's office following a report in L'Équipe sports newspaper, centers around his dual role overseeing both the Champions League title holders and the beIN Media Group. The investigation stems from a meeting in July 2024 regarding broadcasting rights with representatives from the French football league.

Al-Khelaifi, who has been leading Paris Saint-Germin since the club's 2011 takeover by Qatar Sports Investments with the ambition of making it Europe's premier football team, has a history of legal issues. Throughout recent years, he has faced multiple legal cases, always denying any wrongdoing. His legal team maintains that he has consistently acted independently, impartially, and objectively.

The investigation against al-Khelaifi was initiated in April after receiving a tip-off from the anti-graft association Anticor, with proceedings now being handled by the anti-corruption and finance police. In February 2025, he was additionally charged with complicity in abuse of power related to shareholder voting at a company, according to a source familiar with the case.

Interestingly, previous charges of corruption over Qatar's bids for the 2017 and 2019 World Athletics Championships were definitively dismissed in mid-February 2023 by France's Court of Cassation, ruling that France's judicial system lacked the authority to prosecute al-Khelaifi.