Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is under preliminary investigation in France over suspected unlawful conflict of interest linked to negotiations for Ligue 1 broadcasting rights, French prosecutors have confirmed.
The investigation concerns Al-Khelaifi’s dual roles as president of PSG and chairman of beIN Media Group, which was involved in negotiations over French football’s television rights in 2024. The probe was opened in April following a referral from anti-corruption organisation Anticor and has been assigned to specialist anti-corruption and financial investigators.
The case centres on a meeting held in July 2024 involving Al-Khelaifi and representatives of France’s professional football league. The meeting took place shortly after beIN Sports submitted a €100 million offer to broadcast one Ligue 1 match per week. The league subsequently accepted the proposal.
Anticor has questioned whether Al-Khelaifi’s involvement in discussions concerning the offer created a conflict with his position as chairman of beIN Media Group. The organisation also alleged that he pressured other Ligue 1 club presidents to support the proposal. These remain allegations being examined by investigators.
Al-Khelaifi has rejected any wrongdoing through his lawyer, Renaud Semerdjian. His lawyer said the allegations were “without basis, neither legally nor factually,” while maintaining that the PSG chief had acted independently and objectively.
The development is significant because Al-Khelaifi is a prominent figure in European football and heads PSG, the reigning Champions League holders. The investigation could draw further scrutiny to the relationship between football club executives, league decision-making and broadcasting companies.
A preliminary investigation does not establish that a crime has been committed. French authorities will now examine the circumstances surrounding the 2024 broadcasting negotiations and determine whether further legal action is warranted.
Al-Khelaifi has led PSG since Qatar Sports Investments acquired the club in 2011, overseeing its rise into one of Europe’s leading football sides.
