Nasser Al-Khelaïfi under investigation for alleged illegal conflict of interest at LFP

Paris prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation against Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of PSG and beIN Media Group, for alleged illegal conflict of interest. The case, revealed by L’Équipe on Saturday, has been assigned to the Financial Anti-Corruption Unit (BFAC).

Investigators are seeking to determine whether Al-Khelaïfi used his position on the board of the Professional Football League (LFP) to benefit his media group. According to L’Équipe, he allegedly attempted in 2024 to “influence the LFP board’s decision in favor of the company he heads”. These allegations were reported on March 3 to Paris prosecutors by Anticor, an anti-corruption organization founded in 2002 by former judge Éric Halphen.

The question of conflict of interest stemming from the Qatari executive’s multiple roles has fueled criticism for several years. In 2024, following a standoff with John Textor, then president of Olympique Lyonnais, beIN Sports secured exclusive rights to a premium Ligue 1 match per matchday for 100 million euros.

The investigation also covers broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ligue 1+, through former LFP Media chief Nicolas De Tavernost, believed it had secured these rights, but FIFA ultimately concluded an agreement with beIN Sports. A reversal that the League immediately denounced, citing “structural lack of confidence, particularly from the PSG shareholder”. The episode further weakens French football, already facing financial difficulties.