Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had his home raided by law enforcement on suspicion of peddling around the capital club, according to RMC Sport.
The Qatari billionaire was stopped by an investigating magistrate to conduct a search at the former’s apartment on his way to the club’s press conference yesterday, during which Luis Enrique was presented as PSG’s new head coach.
Reports have stated that Al-Khelaifi’s delay to the conference was not related to the enquiry.
Another purpose of the raid was regarding the long-standing investigation on the PSG chief for allegedly holding lobbyist Tayeb Benabderrahmane hostage in Qatar in 2020.
The Franco-Algerian lobbyist had accused Al-Kheliafi of torturing him for coming in possession of his compromising documents.
“As expected and in accordance with procedure, the investigating judge requested more information and access, which was provided in a full and open manner, in cooperation with the authorities, as has been the case since the first day,” a PSG spokesperson said.
Al-Kheliafi had previously denied the allegations, stating he had no time to speak with small-time criminals.
“You are speaking about professional criminals,” Al-Kheliafi said about Tayeb’s accusations (h/t Get French Football News). “They’ve changed lawyers more often than they’ve changed their stories and their lies.
“It’s the ultimate media manipulation. I’m just surprised that so many people have considered their lies and contradictions to be credible.
“But that’s the media world we live in today. Justice will run its course – I don’t have time to speak about small-time professional criminals.”
Al-Khelaifi also addressed the future of Kylian Mbappe during Enrique’s unveiling, insisting that the Frenchman must sign a new contract to continue at Parc des Princes and can’t leave for free.
