Nasser al-Khelaifi is a figure of immense influence in football, both admired and divisive. As president of Paris Saint-Germain, he has been at the helm of the club’s decade-long quest to win the Champions League. Now, as PSG prepare to face Arsenal in the semi-finals, that long-held ambition is closer to being realised than ever before. Under his leadership, the club has transformed from a domestic powerhouse to a global contender, and a win in Munich next month could mark the culmination of years of investment and strategic control.
Beyond PSG, al-Khelaifi’s reach extends across a vast network of football’s institutional power. He chairs Qatar Sports Investments, the BeIN Media Group, and the European Club Association (ECA). Through the ECA, which has grown into a formidable organisation representing 750 clubs, he has helped establish a joint venture with UEFA to manage European competitions like the Champions League and Europa League. This dual influence over both club affairs and UEFA’s broader governance has raised concerns about conflicts of interest, particularly among rival clubs in Spain and France.
Al-Khelaifi’s position at BeIN and PSG simultaneously has drawn criticism in Ligue 1, especially as media rights revenues have sharply declined. The most recent broadcast deal was shaped amid chaotic negotiations, with some clubs accusing him of dominating discussions and acting in his own interests. While his allies argue that he stepped in only when no viable alternatives emerged, others claim his leadership style is autocratic and self-serving. This tension was exposed during a heated meeting last summer, where accusations of bullying and conflict of interest were openly aired.
His assertive approach is not limited to domestic football. He has had clashes with global figures, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino, over the governance of tournaments such as the Club World Cup. Al-Khelaifi believes clubs should play a more central role in managing these competitions, mirroring the ECA’s increasing influence in Europe. Though some smaller clubs in the ECA question whether his decisions truly reflect their interests, he continues to drive initiatives that align with elite club agendas.
Al-Khelaifi’s ascent was accelerated by the collapse of the European Super League in 2021. As one of its most vocal opponents, he filled a power vacuum and positioned himself as a guardian of football’s traditional structures. This helped cement his authority, though some suggest he benefitted more from timing and opportunity than principle.
With PSG’s team now younger and more balanced than in previous years, a Champions League title would be the crowning moment of al-Khelaifi’s project. Yet questions remain about the future direction of Qatar’s involvement in the club and whether his ambitions could shift even further. There is speculation he may aim for the FIFA presidency, and he is reportedly interested in hosting major Champions League matches in the US and exploring new league formats across Europe.
Regardless of what lies ahead, al-Khelaifi’s influence shows no signs of waning. His blend of commercial savvy, institutional power, and relentless ambition has already reshaped football’s landscape and may continue to do so for years to come.
