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With the FIFA World Cup draw upon us, some club news has taken a back seat with everyone focused on the international break. We are here to make sure that you have not missed a thing with some stories which might have crept by unnoticed.
Our picks.
Al-Khelaifi reveals PSG bids
Paris Saint-Germain chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been active this week ahead of the World Cup draw in Doha and the European Club Association chief revealed that the French giants have received offers in the past as well as reiterating that the Super League is firmly buried.
“Imagine there was no investment over the past few years,” said the Qatari supremo to the BBC. “Soccer would have collapsed, I promise you. We are an investment fund. We bought the club for $77 million. We have since received offers in the multi-billions. This is the brand we built as a real investment — across men’s and women’s teams. People criticize because it is sovereign wealth.
“What about other forms of ownership — is the private equity takeover of sport about social good? What about clubs leveraged to the sky by private individuals — is that good? Barcelona is a fan-owned club with $1.7 billion debt — does that work? Our investment in PSG also does not just help one club.
“Imagine PSG were not in Ligue 1. Where would they find an investment fund to invest $1.7 billion, which goes to the small clubs to invest? When you look at the full picture of what we are doing, it has raised the level.”
Why it matters: Al-Khelaifi’s dim view of the Super League is nothing new while PSG’s agreement has been crucial in French soccer’s COVID-19 and Mediapro bailout package which will be funded by CVC Capital Partners. As we are seeing with Chelsea at present, investment in clubs has not peaked.
Mbappe deepens betting war
The PSG and France star made waves over the international break by refusing to do media obligations relating to…
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Source : cbssports
