PSG Responds to Lyon Owner's Criticism of Al-Khelaifi
Paris Saint-Germain has strongly defended Nasser Al-Khelaifi after Lyon owner John Textor's accusations, calling the remarks baseless and offensive.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has issued a strong rebuttal to recent comments made by John Textor, the owner of Olympique Lyonnais. Textor accused Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG’s president, of holding excessive power within football organizations, creating potential conflicts of interest. The criticism was centered around Al-Khelaifi’s roles as head of PSG, the European Club Association (ECA), and his influence in UEFA and media dealings through beIN Sports.
In a statement released to RMC Sport, PSG did not hold back, stating, "It is regrettable that Mr. Textor resorts to unfounded allegations. Class and respect cannot be bought, and such baseless remarks only undermine his credibility." The response emphasized PSG’s commitment to Ligue 1 and rejected Textor’s claims as offensive and misleading.
The conflict between the clubs intensified after Textor declared that he would not sell any Lyon players to PSG, citing concerns over Al-Khelaifi’s influence in player negotiations and league affairs. PSG countered by advising Textor to "focus on understanding Ligue 1’s dynamics and addressing his club’s financial challenges."
Textor’s initial criticism revolved around what he perceived as conflicts of interest in media and governance roles. He argued that Al-Khelaifi’s position allowed him to dominate discussions around broadcasting rights and league decisions. "I was shocked to see one individual with so much control over key negotiations while the league president played a minimal role," Textor remarked in an interview.
PSG’s response reflects their firm stance on defending Al-Khelaifi’s integrity and leadership. This feud highlights growing tensions among Ligue 1 clubs, as financial pressures and governance challenges continue to shape the league’s landscape.
As the debate unfolds, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, making this a defining moment for Ligue 1’s future dynamics. The clash between PSG and Lyon underscores broader challenges in balancing power and transparency within European football.