Paris Saint-Germain Between Legal Crises and Unstable Stars

French club Paris Saint-Germain is facing a series of successive crises involving its players and its Qatari president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, raising questions about the club’s management and internal stability.

Reopening of the Hakimi Case

The latest development is the decision by the French judiciary to reopen the case of the team’s right-back, Achraf Hakimi, dating back to 2023, and to refer him to the criminal court on rape charges.

Mbappé’s Financial Dispute

The club had previously settled its long-running dispute with its striker, Kylian Mbappé, in February 2026, agreeing to pay approximately €61 million in outstanding dues. The amount included unpaid salaries, bonuses, and compensation for unused leave from the final period of his contract following the dispute.

Lawsuits Against the Club President

Nasser Al-Khelaifi is also facing serious legal complaints, most notably from former Moroccan tennis player Hicham Kermoussi, who accused him of attempted kidnapping, blackmail, psychological abuse, and employing a foreign worker without a valid work permit.

The most prominent case was filed by French businessman Tayeb Ben Abderrahmane, who accused Al-Khelaifi of arbitrary detention, torture, and forgery. The case prompted the European Parliament to submit written questions regarding the handling of these alleged violations. The European Commission confirmed that the findings of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention were taken seriously, emphasizing the need for Qatar to respect its international human rights obligations.

These cases reflect both internal and external tensions surrounding the club’s management and highlight the complex interplay between sporting interests, legal accountability, and international diplomacy—particularly in light of Qatar’s extensive involvement in global sports