PSG Headquarters Raided – Neymar’s $242M Transfer Lands Ligue 1 Champs in Legal Trouble Over Influence Peddling

Paris Saint-Germain once again finds itself surrounded by dark clouds. The $242 million world-record transfer of their former star player, Neymar, from Barcelona has brought the Parisians into the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Ligue 1 giants are being held guilty over the influence peddling of the transfer, which forced the authorities to even conduct a raid at their headquarters. 

While it has been months since Neymar left Parc des Princes, problems associated with the Brazilian superstar’s name have yet to find their way out. As per the reports from Le Monde and complied by FootMercado, another police raid took place this time. Earlier, the second police search was conducted around mid-February following reports that Gérald Darmanin, then Minister of Public Accounts, allegedly favored PSG by allowing reduced tax payments on Neymar’s transfer. Notably, the investigation started in September 2022 and also focuses on influence operations led by former communications director Jean-Martial Ribes.

Additionally, Hugues Renson, former vice president of the French National Assembly, is also under scrutiny for potentially seeking tax advantages for PSG regarding Neymar’s transfer. Either way, this is a huge blow for PSG. Not long ago, the French giants were under investigation over Neymar’s move due to Financial Fair Play. Similarly, eyebrows were raised when they splurged $180 million on Kylian Mbappe a year later. While the FFP matter is closed, it remains to be seen how they handle this new development. Meanwhile, Neymar’s transfer isn’t the only case that has brought them under negative scrutiny.

PSG faces allegations over lobbying the Ballon d’Or win of Neymar Jr’s former teammate

Previous rumors claimed PSG had a hand in Lionel Messi’s 2021 Ballon d’Or victory. Allegations of corruption and influence peddling emerged, claiming that Pascal Ferre, the former head of France Football and person in charge of awarding the Ballon d’Or, was persuaded to give the trophy to Messi by Jean-Martial Ribes and PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi. It was alleged that PSG provided gifts and trips, among other favors during the 2020–2021 period.

READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe’s Departure Will Affect French League More Than PSG, Claims Former President

The Ligue 1 powerhouses, though, debunked the accusations promptly. Similarly, a Spanish pundit also defended Messi. Interestingly, Pascal Ferre has a history of being involved in Ballon d’Or controversies, as this isn’t the first instance. Previously, Cristiano Ronaldo accused Ferre of disseminating false information regarding his goal to surpass Messi in Ballon d’Or wins. 

Whatever it may be, time is of the essence, as PSG must find its way to clear the negative air surrounding them.