FIFA Revisits Paris Saint-Germain’s Transfer Investigations

Paris Saint-Germain’s transfer plans could be under threat amid additional financial fair play (FFP) investigations into their activity.

UEFA has referred its FFP investigation to the investigatory chamber of its Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) for further review, meaning PSG’s ability to spend during the January transfer window is at risk.

PSG initially avoided sanctions for 2015, 2016 and 2017, and they raised nearly €50 million before the end of June at UEFA’s request through the sales of Javier Pastore, Yuri Berchiche, Odsonne Edouard and Jonathan Ikone in order to avoid further complications.

But shortly after PSG sold those four players, UEFA reviewed its ruling to clear them over the three-year period and publicised its decision to further investigate the club’s revenue on Tuesday.

“PSG have noted the CFCB’s decision to refer the case to its investigatory chamber,” the club said in a statement.

“As always, the club will continue to communicate in a serene manner with the appropriate bodies of the CFCB and will transmit to the investigatory chamber any other information deemed necessary.”

FFP rules forbid clubs from spending more money than they generate in order to prevent them from trying to buy success while distorting the transfer market. Offending clubs can be banned from transfer activity or European competition, but UEFA has preferred to negotiate settlements in the past.

PSG, owned by Qatari Sports Investments, a department of the Qatar government, have been scrutinised by UEFA for the value of their Qatar-based contracts — including those with the Qatar Tourism Authority and the Qatar National Bank — despite a recent diversification in the club’s revenue.

A further review of PSG’s accounting could take months, potentially delaying their ability to sign players during the January transfer window while investigations are carried out.