Nasser Al-Khelaïfi—notably the president of Paris Saint-Germain and BeIN Media Group—is frequently the subject of complaints from observers and figures within French football, including certain Ligue 1 club presidents. Critics allege that he leverages his position to influence key decisions, particularly the awarding of broadcasting rights. It has now emerged that the Paris prosecutor’s office has launched a preliminary investigation into “illegal conflict of interest” following a report filed by the anti-corruption group Anticor. This report centers on a meeting of the Professional Football League (LFP)—part of which was broadcast by the program Complément d’Enquête and had already sparked significant controversy. That is what is being reported by France Info.
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of PSG and BeIN Media Group, is the subject of a preliminary investigation in Paris regarding an alleged illegal conflict of interest during a meeting on broadcasting rights with the Professional Football League (LFP) in July 2024, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced on Sunday, September 20.
The investigation, initiated following a report by the anti-corruption association Anticor, was opened in April and assigned to the Anti-Corruption Financial Brigade (BFAC), prosecutors stated, confirming a report by the newspaper L’Équipe. Meanwhile, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi’s lawyer assured AFP that his client had “always acted independently, impartially, and objectively.”
“The formal report was filed on March 3 by Anticor”
The formal report was filed on March 3 by Anticor and concerns a July 2024 meeting of LFP bodies regarding the awarding of Ligue 1 broadcasting rights. According to the association, a recording of the meeting suggests that Nasser al-Khelaïfi pressured other members of the LFP board of directors to favor the BeIN Sports bid.
This comes as little surprise, given that criticism on this subject has become almost routine. If the investigation confirms an issue, then change will be necessary. However, we are not at that stage yet; Al-Khelaïfi and his team have always managed to defend themselves effectively. It is worth noting, moreover, that beIN Sports no longer broadcasts Ligue 1 at all, having gradually withdrawn from coverage. In any case, the investigation should be allowed to run its course without jumping to conclusions. Let the justice system do its work, while hoping that the PSG president did indeed comply with the rules.
