The February 5 indictment of Nasser Al-Khelaïfi for “complicity in vote buying and infringement on voting freedom”, as well as “complicity in abuse of power”, has sparked major backlash in Doha.
According to AFP, the PSG president is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the Lagardère case, where Arnaud Lagardère was accused of attempting to influence a key shareholder vote in favor of a Qatari investment fund backing his company in 2018.
Al-Khelaïfi has denied any wrongdoing, stating he has “no connection” to the case. However, RMC Sport reports that this judicial decision has frustrated Qatari officials, who see it as another targeted attack.
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While Al-Khelaïfi has not been placed under judicial supervision, the fallout of this indictment is already shaking French football. Qatar is now reportedly reconsidering its financial commitments in France, including its ownership of beIN Sports and PSG.
A source close to the Qatari government told RMC Sport:
“The Qataris are fed up with these attacks. False legal accusations, blackmail, constant criticism… They are blamed for everything, while their efforts are always seen as ‘soft power’ moves. This is outright exploitation, and everyone has had enough.”
A potential Qatari withdrawal would be a massive blow for PSG and French football, already struggling with the ongoing DAZN broadcasting rights crisis.
