Nicolas Anelka advocates for Qatari ownership in Ligue 1, suggesting that their departure would be detrimental to French football. He emphasizes PSG’s domestic success since 2011 under QSI, while recognizing ongoing scrutiny of Al-Khelaifi’s leadership, comparing it to historical club figures in France.
Nicolas Anelka, a former striker for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), asserts that the Qatari ownership is beneficial for Ligue 1 and would be deeply missed if they exited. He commented, “If Qatar decides to leave, it would be very bad for the French league, which is already in trouble,” he stated on RMC Sport. Anelka opines that the persistent criticism towards Qatar and Nasser Al-Khelaifi is not the right approach to address the league’s challenges.
Since Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) took over PSG in 2011, the club has enjoyed remarkable success, securing ten Ligue 1 titles, seven Coupe de France victories, and eleven Trophée des Champions. Although PSG has yet to achieve European success since Al-Khelaifi’s leadership, they reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2020 and the semi-finals three times. Presently, they are competing in the quarter-finals against Aston Villa, having also invested in a new training facility.
Anelka recognizes the significant influence wielded by Al-Khelaifi but perceives it as a natural occurrence when a club possesses the largest budget in France. He expresses that while scrutiny is expected, it is comparable to the pressures faced by Jean-Michel Aulas during his tenure at Olympique Lyonnais and Bernard Tapie’s era at Olympique de Marseille. Under Aulas, Lyon captured seven Ligue 1 titles in the 2000s and was valued at €383 million in 2008 by Forbes. Conversely, Tapie’s Marseille, filled with notable stars, won four French championships during the late 1980s and early 90s, and became the only French club to win the European Cup in 1993 after reaching two finals.
In summary, Nicolas Anelka defends the Qatari influence in Ligue 1, arguing that their departure would negatively impact the league. He highlights PSG’s domestic achievements since QSI’s acquisition while drawing parallels between Al-Khelaifi’s leadership and that of past influential club leaders in France. Anelka’s views underscore the importance of financial power and investment in driving success within the league.
Original Source: www.getfootballnewsfrance.com
