PARIS, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is the subject of a preliminary investigation in France over a suspected unlawful conflict of interest linked to Ligue 1 broadcasting rights, the Paris prosecutor's office told Reuters, allegations Al-Khelaifi and beIN reject.
The investigation relates to negotiations in 2024 overLigue 1 broadcasting rights and 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.
A source with knowledge of the matter saidAl-Khelaifi had recused himself from almost all LFP board meetings over the past year and had not attended meetings concerning matters involving beIN.
In a February letter to the French Football Federation’s National Ethics andDeontology 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 opening of a preliminary investigation does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing.
(Reporting by Gabriel Stargardter in ParisEditing by Christian Radnedge)
