QSI has acquired a 70% stake in PSG for a reported Eur50 million, with the agreement furthering Qatari interest in French football. Al-Khelaifi also serves as president of Al Jazeera, which last week snapped up a package of domestic broadcast rights to Ligue 1 for the 2012-16 seasons, adding to the broadcaster’s capture of the league’s overseas rights in a six-year deal.
Sebastien Bazin, president of PSG’s former majority shareholder Colony Capital Europe, hailed the QSI agreement as a “great moment” adding “I am convinced that I have left PSG in good hands”.
Al-Khelaifi said in a statement: “We will work over the coming years to make PSG a great team and a strong brand on the international scene, one that will make all the fans proud. I am excited to see the Parisians come to enjoy family games and support their team. I know that PSG has recorded a large increase in season tickets, a sign that we made the right decision.”
Thursday witnessed further good news for PSG as France’s Minister for Sport, Chantal Jouanno, announced the release of Eur10 million to assist the redevelopment of the club’s Parc des Princes stadium.
PSG’s home has been earmarked as a host venue for UEFA Euro 2016, but Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë had refused to inject city funds into the redevelopment. Jouanno added that the Eur10 million would not be included in the Eur158 million already assigned to the redevelopment of 10 stadia for the tournament.
