PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi ‘investigated over alleged kidnap and torture in Qatar’ as French judges launch probe
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is being investigated over allegations of kidnap and torture.
The Qatari footie boss is being probed as three investigating judges have been appointed in Paris.
The allegations relate to the alleged kidnapping and torture of lobbyist Tayeb Benabderrahmane, 42, reports Lequipe.
Al-Khelaifi denies all allegations against him - and has vowed that "justice will run its course".
Benabderrahmane alleges that he was snatched in Qatar in 2020.
He claims he possessed documents with compromising information on Al-Khelaïfi.
His lawyers, Maïtres Romain Ruiz and Gabriel Vejnar, have said they are "very satisfied" with the decision to investigate the case.
"We are very happy that the real file of this story is finally the subject of an investigation by the French justice," they told AFP.
It is alleged the case was linked to sensitive documents regarding the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.
And the awarding of television rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cup to BeIN Media - of which Al-Khelaifi is chairman.
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In a statement, Al-Khelaifi said: “You are talking about professional criminals.
"They’ve changed their lawyers more times than they’ve changed their stories and their lies.
"It is the ultimate media manipulation. I’m just amazed so many people have taken their lies and contradictions as credible – but that’s the media world we’re in today.
"Justice will run its course – I don’t have time to talk about petty professional criminals."
Benabderrahmane claims he was detained for six months in Qatar after being arrested in January 2020.
He claims he was tortured during this period before being placed under house arrest.
The lobbyist says he was then allowed to leave in November after signing a document promising not to divulge "sensitive" documents linked to Al-Khelaïfi.
French news outlets, including Le Point and L'Independant, report the Benabderrahmane filed a civil action - which allows a judicial investigation to be launched.
Al Khelaifi, 49, was previously investigated over the World Cup bid over his relationship with former FIFA member Jerome Vackle - but he was acquitted.
It is the latest blow for PSG - and it comes after Morroco-born ace Achraf Hakimi being accused of rape.
PSG are currently leading Ligue 1, but have seen a dip in form since the World Cup.
Al-Khelaïfi was a member of the organising committee of the World Cup and is the chairman for Qatar Sports Investments (QSI).
He is a former tennis player - reaching a career-high ranking of 995 in 2002.
Al-Khelaïfi was made president and CEO on PSG after QSI took over the club in 2011.
He has spearheaded the Paris side's regeneration and made it the dominant force in French football - winning the Ligue 1 title eight times since 2012/13.
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The boss oversaw the signings of players such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar Jr.
The club however have so far failed to win the Champions League since the takeover - but face a key Round of 16 clash next week against Bayern Munich.