Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is under preliminary investigation in France over a suspected unlawful conflict of interest linked to Ligue 1 broadcasting rights.
The Paris prosecutor’s office told Reuters that the investigation focuses on negotiations over Ligue 1 broadcasting rights in 2024.
It also examines Al-Khelaifi’s roles as PSG president and chairman of beIN Media Group.
Al-Khelaifi and beIN reject the suggestion that he had a conflict of interest.
The investigation centres on concerns over Al-Khelaifi’s positions in French football and the sports broadcasting industry.
A source with knowledge of the matter said Al-Khelaifi had recused himself from almost all LFP board meetings over the past year. The source added that he had not attended meetings concerning matters involving beIN.
In a February letter to the French Football Federation’s National Ethics and Deontology Council seen by Reuters, beIN said that while Al-Khelaifi chairs beIN Media Group, he has no operational or executive responsibility within the group or beIN Sports France, saying those responsibilities rest with group CEO Yousef Al-Obaidly.
The Ligue 1 broadcasting negotiations took place in 2024 as French football sought agreements for the domestic rights to show league matches.
Al-Khelaifi’s dual roles have brought scrutiny to his involvement in matters concerning broadcasting rights.
However, the preliminary investigation does not establish that Al-Khelaifi committed an offence.
French prosecutors will examine the circumstances surrounding the negotiations and determine whether the alleged conflict of interest breached French law.
Al-Khelaifi and beIN continue to reject the allegations.
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