Nasser al-Khelaïfi was born on November 12, 1973, in Doha, Qatar. His father was a pearl fisherman. Early on, he played tennis and represented his country in the Davis Cup for ten years. This stage strengthened his closeness with Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the future Emir of Qatar.
In parallel, Al-Khelaïfi earned an MBA in economics from the University of Doha. Shortly after, he joined Al Jazeera and quickly established himself as a key player in the channel. In 2004, he took over the leadership of Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). His influence in the world of sports business and professional football then grew considerably.
The Rise of Paris Saint-Germain and the Soft Power Strategy
In 2011, QSI bought Paris Saint-Germain. Nasser al-Khelaïfi became the club’s president and initiated an ambitious project. Stars like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé joined the capital. The PSG gained fame and quickly became an international brand, a symbol of Qatari soft power. Investments included handball, women’s football, and e-sports.
Furthermore, Al-Khelaïfi heads beIN Sports. This role gives him access to numerous broadcasting rights, notably for Ligue 1 and the Champions League. He also extends his influence within the Professional Football League (LFP) and UEFA. This concentration of power regularly raises questions about the balance of competitions.
Complément d’enquête: Revelations and Accusations
On March 27, 2025, the channel France 2 aired a report in Complément d’enquête, dedicated to Nasser al-Khelaïfi. Video excerpts show the PSG president during a meeting on TV rights. He strongly opposes the officials of RC Lens and Olympique Lyonnais, revealing a climate of tension.
The documentary reveals that a digital army in Tunisia allegedly orchestrated smear campaigns. Indeed, these actions targeted journalists, supporters, and players. Among the mentioned targets are Kylian Mbappé, Adrien Rabiot, Mediapart, and L’Équipe. According to Complément d’enquête, these actions aimed to protect the image of PSG and its leader.
The Testimony of a Former Butler
Hicham Karmoussi, former butler of Nasser al-Khelaïfi, describes a difficult professional atmosphere. He mentions verbal threats and the order to destroy sensitive documents. More seriously, he claims to have seen personal videos featuring the Emir of Qatar. He asserts that he was followed and pressured to hand over these recordings.
Karmoussi also recounts narrowly escaping imprisonment in Qatar. The report includes other testimonies highlighting the existence of constant surveillance. Additionally, it mentions repeated pressures on the entourage of the PSG president.
Reactions, Criticisms, and Influence on French Football
Several French club leaders point to Al-Khelaïfi’s growing influence. The name Vincent Labrune, president of the LFP, is often mentioned. Football stakeholders believe that Nasser al-Khelaïfi’s situation raises a possible conflict of interest: he is both a broadcaster, club owner, and decision-maker.
Furthermore, Véronique Rabiot, mother of Adrien Rabiot, details her tensions with the PSG president. She describes him as unwilling to accept contradiction. When oppositions arise, "it’s no longer a simple disagreement, it’s war."
Leadership in Question
Today, Nasser al-Khelaïfi finds himself at the center of intense controversies. Known for elevating PSG among the wealthiest clubs, he faces criticism. Moreover, his methods and the lack of transparency in his governance are being questioned. French football authorities, like the LFP, remain silent.
The France 2 report does not take a stance on the absolute truth of the accusations. However, it compiles damning recordings and testimonies. Several sports business specialists warn about the risk of power concentration within the same entity. They call for more clarity on the rules and a strict delineation of roles.
Towards a Reevaluation of Practices?
The model established by Nasser al-Khelaïfi raises multiple questions. It largely relies on the considerable financial capabilities of Qatar. Additionally, the international image is developed through Paris Saint-Germain. For some, this strategy resembles sportswashing, aimed at enhancing the country’s global image.
The revelations from Complément d’enquête intensify the debate. The most critical compare PSG’s situation to the challenges faced by other clubs financed by foreign capital. Al-Khelaïfi’s supporters claim these accusations stem from competing interests and that the Qatari leader has contributed to the prominence of Ligue 1.
An Uncertain Epilogue for Nasser al-Khelaïfi
For now, Nasser al-Khelaïfi has not spoken in detail about all the disclosed elements. His lawyers rarely comment. Supporters of the PSG president believe some accusations remain unproven. Conversely, detractors demand more transparency and, if necessary, the opening of independent investigations.
Time will tell if the Parisian club and its influential president will emerge unscathed from this media sequence. Or will the revelations from France 2 accelerate reforms in professional football? Whatever happens, these controversies hint at possible changes in sports governance in France and Europe. Indeed, the issue of control and concentration of power remains more relevant than ever.
