PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi faces over 2 years in jail if he loses World Cup rights trial

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is facing a potential prison sentence if he is convicted in ongoing FIFA bribery trial. PSG president is accused of bribing former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke ahead of  television rights process for FIFA World Cup in 2026 and 2030 competitions. PSG President World Cup TV rights trial revolves around awarding of broadcast rights to Nasser Al-Khelaifi's beIN Sport in  Middle East and Africa.

Also Read: Luis Suarez's Barcelona Career In Numbers After £75 Million Mega Move From Liverpool

Nasser Al-Khelaifi prison: PSG president could end up behind bars over bribery charges 

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been accused of offering former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke use of his villa in Sardinia, Italy, as a favour ahead of broadcasting rights process. During PSG President World Cup TV rights trial,  Swiss Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona on Tuesday heard that broadcasting rights of World Cup were awarded to beIn sports in  Middle East and Africa without being put up for tender. It is reported that Mr Valcke received exclusive use of a villa for up to 18 months without paying rent amounting up to €1.8 million.

Also Read: Ribery Approves Of Bayern Stars Sane And Gnabry's Nickname 'Sanabry' As New Era Kicks Off

According to Daily Mail, former FIFA secretary-general is reported to have requested help in buying Sardinia, which PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi got for €5million, before giving it over to a close associate's sibling, from whom Valcke earned access to it.

Prosecutors are pushing for  PSG president to get a prison sentence of up to 28 months, while Valcke could serve up to three years in jail. Both Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Valcke have denied charges.  Nasser Al-Khelaifi trial is first time that jail sentences have been requested in a European court in cases relating to multiple scandals in world football. However, former officials from Americas have received prison terms in United States.

Also Read: Messi & Ronaldo Don't Make UEFA Men's Player Of Year 2020 Top 3; First Time Since 2010

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaiifi insists that beIN Sports paid full market value for rights and arrangement between him and Jerome Jerome Valcke was 'private' matter.

In ar corruption case, Greek businessman Dis Deris is accused of offering Mr Valcke more than $1.5 million in bribes. Reports suggest amount was paid in exchange for favourable treatment of his broadcast bid for Greek and Italian media rights concerning 12 years of football tournaments.  Swiss Federal Criminal Court of Bellinzona has been hearing Valcke on two corruption charges, as he maintained a 'spendthrift' lifestyle according to Prosecutor Joel Pahud. 

Also Read: PSG Confident Of Signing Spurs Midfielder Dele Alli On Loan After Fallout With Mourinho

(Im Courtesy: AP)