During the recent transfer window, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) completed three significant player transfers to Qatari clubs, and these transactions are now under scrutiny by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
Marco Verratti moved to Al-Arabi for €50 million, Julian Draxler to Al-Ahli for €9 million, and Abdou Diallo to Al-Arabi for €15 million. These seemingly lucrative deals have raised questions within UEFA.
UEFA’s concern arises from PSG’s ownership by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), a Qatari investment fund. The close ties between QSI and various Qatari clubs can classify these transactions as deals between « related parties. »
UEFA may consider devaluing these transfers when assessing PSG’s compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations. In response, PSG has defended these deals, stating that « There is no issue. QSI is not an owner of the purchasing clubs, and the three players were sold at market value, » as conveyed to the sports newspaper L’Équipe.
The outcome of UEFA’s investigation could have implications for PSG’s financial standing and its adherence to Financial Fair Play rules.
