PSG news: ‘Punishing Ligue 1 champions over FFP a scandal’ – Nasser Al-Khelaifi


Despite lavish transfer expenditure in 2017, the club have argued that they are on a more secure financial footing than many, including those in Spain

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has said that it would be “a scandal” if his club were deemed to have breached UEFA’s FFP (Financial Fair Play) regulations.

The Ligue 1 side hit the headlines last summer as they main giant moves to sign Neymar from Barcelona and Kylian Mbappe for Monaco. The former was added for a world record €222 million (£200m/$268m) while the latter was signed initially on loan but with a view to completing a €180m (£158m/$212m ) move this summer.

As such, UEFA has decided to investigate their finances, although Al-Kheliafi is insistent that they have everything in order.

“For me, honestly, it would be surprising, abnormal and scandalous to be sanctioned,” he told L’Equipe.

“We’ve always followed the rules. It’s true that UEFA has been very hard during our talks and sometimes even unjust.”

PSG were sanctioned in 2014 under these guidelines and were limited to a spend of €60m (£52.5m/$70.5m), but this time around there is the possibility of more significant sanctions. 

The club have received backing from a number of Qatar-based sponsors, including the Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatar National Bank and Ooredoo – all legitimate sources of funding according to the club president.

“We’ve done nothing wrong,” he said. “They know where our money comes from, we don’t have any debts and we’ve given them guarantees. 

“Other clubs in other leagues have debts. If you go to Spain, for example, there are many clubs in debt. We’re breaking even, so what do they want from us? They should leave us alone.”

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Meanwhile, there is the promise of a fresh influx of money into the club.

“There will be new sponsors,” the president promised. “We’re in discussions with Nike and there will soon be a new deal. With Emirates, there was a sponsorship deal for the jersey that has ended and we’re talking to other candidates now.”

PSG, who have appointed Thomas Tuchel as their new head coach, have been linked with a number of more modest targets this summer, including outgoing Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

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