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 sent shockwaves through Doha.
According to AFP, the PSG president has been charged with complicity in an abuse of power in the Lagardère case. The investigation revolves around an alleged attempt by Arnaud Lagardère in 2018 to manipulate a crucial shareholder vote in favor of the Qatari investment fund backing his group.
Al-Khelaïfi has firmly denied any involvement, claiming he has “no connection” to the case. However, RMC Sport reports that this judicial decision has caused significant frustration among Qatari officials.
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Despite Al-Khelaïfi not being placed under judicial supervision, tensions remain high. Qatar is now reconsidering its financial involvement in France, including its stakes in beIN Sports and Paris Saint-Germain.
A source close to the Qatari government told RMC Sport:
“The Qataris have had enough of this abuse. False legal charges, blackmail, constant criticism… They are blamed for others’ incompetence and seen only as a tool for ‘soft power.’ This is pure exploitation, and everyone is fed up.”
A potential Qatari withdrawal would send shockwaves through PSG and French football, which is already struggling with the DAZN broadcasting rights crisis.
