PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi escapes 28-month prison sentence after being

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been acquitted of a charge of incitement to criminal mismanagement in a Swiss court.

Al-Khelaifi, who also sits on the executive committee of European football’s governing body, had been charged in a case related to the awarding of World Cup media rights which also involved former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke – who was found guilty of separate charges of falsifying documents on Friday.

However, Al-Khelaifi’s legal team said he had been cleared of the charge at the Swiss Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona on Friday, which carries a prison sentence of more than two years.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been cleared of a charge of incitement in a Swiss court

A statement from Al Khelaifi read: ‘After a relentless four-year campaign against me that ignored the basic facts and the law at every turn – I have finally, fully and completely cleared my name.

‘Today’s verdict is a total vindication. It restores my faith in the rule of law and in due process, after four years of baseless allegations, fictitious charges and constant smears of my reputation – all of which have been proven to be completely and wholly unsubstantiated.’

Al Khelaifi added: ‘I can now devote all my energy to my various roles, which are all focused on building a positive future for world sport – at a time when the industry needs strong leadership the most.’ 

He was accused of offering former FIFA secretary general Valcke use of his villa in Sardinia, Italy, as a favour ahead of the television rights process for the 2026 and 2030 competitions. 

The Swiss Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona was told during the trial that beIN Media Group was awarded the rights in Middle East and Africa, without being put up for tender. 

Al-Khelaifi is also the chairman of the Qatari broadcast group, who insisted they paid full market value for the rights. 

The PSG chief insists the verdict is a ‘total vindication’ after he was cleared of charges which carry a 28-month sentence

According to reports from the proceedings, Valcke requested help buying the Italian house during the negotiations between FIFA and beIN.

Al-Khelaifi then bought the property for €5million, before handing it over to a close associate’s brother, from whom Valcke gained access to it.

The value of the rent Valcke…