PSG president denies fair play breach
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has no concerns over breaching Financial Fair Play rules despite signing Neymar and has told sceptics to “go have a coffee”.
The Brazil star finalised his move from Barcelona on Thursday after PSG paid his €222million release clause in full, smashing the world transfer record in the process. Neymar was officially unveiled on Friday.
Combined with a reported annual salary of €30m after tax over five years and various bonus payments, the full cost of the deal to bring Neymar to the French capital could reach a staggering €498m.
The sums involved have led to widespread concern that PSG will be unable to comply with UEFA’s FFP regulations, which are intended to prevent clubs from spending beyond their means and encountering financial difficulty.
LaLiga initially refused to accept payment of Neymar’s release clause after reportedly expressing concern at being complicit in a deal that breaches FFP rules, while FIFPro has called on the European Commission to investigate.
UEFA said it would look into the deal to ensure the rules were being followed but Al-Khelaifi is adamant that there is no need for PSG fans to worry.
“Maybe today it’s the most expensive transfer (of all time), but in two or three years...” he said at Neymar’s official presentation.
“I don’t think it’s too expensive because I’m sure we’ll make more money than we’ve paid. The Neymar brand with the Paris Saint-Germain brand. It’s an amazing transfer for everybody.
“We’ve been very transparent from day one and we will be until our last day. There’s no problem with Financial Fair Play. We’re within the regulations.
“Whoever’s thinking about Financial Fair Play, please, go have a coffee, we’re fine.”
There’s no problem with Financial Fair Play. We’re within the regulations. Whoever’s thinking about Financial Fair Play, please, go have a coffee, we’re fine. I’m sure we’ll make more money than we’ve paid. The Neymar brand with the Paris SaintGermain brand. It’s an amazing transfer for everybody.