The world of football is not only defined by the mesmerizing skills displayed on the pitch but also by the complex web of ownership that often lurks behind the scenes.
One club that has been the centre of attention, both on and off the field, is Paris Saint-Germain, commonly known as PSG.
The question regarding "Who owns PSG?" has always been there. This article sheds light on that exact question.
The club's rise to prominence can be largely attributed to significant investments and high-profile signings, which have propelled it to domestic and international success.
How much of the Qatar Investment Authority owns PSG?
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is the ultimate owner of PSG through its subsidiary, QSI. QIA is a behemoth in the world of sovereign wealth funds, managing the country's vast financial assets.
The wealth of Qatar, primarily derived from its vast oil and gas reserves, has allowed the QIA to make strategic investments in various sectors worldwide, with PSG being one of its high-profile ventures in sports.
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI)
QSI is the primary entity that controls PSG. It was established with the goal of promoting Qatar's image on the global stage through sports investments. Led by Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who also serves as the chairman of PSG, QSI has been instrumental in the club's transformation.
Al-Khelaifi is a prominent figure in the footballing world and has played a pivotal role in PSG's ascent to the upper echelons of football.
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) has played a pivotal role in transforming Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) into one of the most prominent football clubs in the world. Here's how QSI has helped PSG:
OSI injected financial freedom for PSG in the following ways
Helped in signing high-profile players like Neymar
Made team compatible for Champions League
Helped in building world-class facilities
Gave PSG more commercial deals
Helped PSG in building their brand.
The President of PSG - Nasser Al-Khelaifi
As mentioned earlier, Nasser Al-Khelaifi is not only the chairman of PSG but also a key figure in the club's ownership structure. He is often the face associated with PSG's operations and is deeply involved in decision-making processes. Al-Khelaifi's influence extends beyond PSG, as he also serves as the chairman of beIN Media Group, a global sports and entertainment conglomerate.
Nasser has completely changed PSG with a squad that is a mixture of experience and youth. But recently PSG has focused on signing the superstars in World Football, Under Nasser the main target for PSG has been to lift the Champions League as the French Club has not lifted the trophy even once. They managed to reach the Champions League Final in 2020 but were denied by Bayern Munich
Minority Shareholders and Celebrities owners of PSG
While Qatar Sports Investments holds the lion's share of PSG, there are also minority shareholders and celebrity investors who have a stake in the club. These individuals include former PSG players and high-profile personalities who are passionate about the club.
Some former PSG players have reinvested in the club, becoming minority shareholders. Notable examples include David Ginola and Youri Djorkaeff, who have connected with PSG even after their playing careers ended. Brazilian star Ronaldinho still feels attached to the club as he has been seen many times visiting PSG as Brazilian started his early career with the Paris club.
Conclusion
In the world of modern football, ownership structures often play a pivotal role in a club's success and aspirations. PSG's ownership by Qatar Sports Investments, under the umbrella of the Qatar Investment Authority, has undoubtedly propelled the club to new heights. With a commitment to sustained investment and a global vision, Paris continues to be a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the football pitch. As football evolves, the influence of ownership on the beautiful game will remain a captivating aspect to explore, and PSG's story is a testament to that reality.
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