Borussia Dortmund’s CFO Questions PSG’s Transfer Deal with Al-Hilal
Borussia Dortmund’s chief financial officer, Thomas Tress, has raised concerns about Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) transfer deal with Saudi Premier League club Al-Hilal. Tress suggested that PSG may have gained an unfair advantage in the transfer market and questioned the effectiveness of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules. However, Dortmund’s CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, later apologized to PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, for Tress’s comments.
During a meeting of elite clubs at the European Club Association general assembly in Berlin, Tress highlighted PSG’s deal with Al-Hilal for Brazilian forward Neymar, which was worth over £80 million. The Saudi Premier League has received significant investment from the state sovereign wealth fund PIF, while PSG is owned by Qatar Sports Investment, which has ties to the Qatari state.
Sources in the room, who chose to remain anonymous due to the confidentiality of the conversations, revealed that Tress argued that the influx of Saudi cash had distorted the transfer market. He claimed that it allowed certain clubs, such as PSG, to bypass Financial Fair Play restrictions and poach talent from European rivals.
Al-Khelaifi, who is also the chairman of the ECA, confronted Tress after the meeting. He felt that Tress had embarrassed him by making such comments in front of other clubs and suggested that any problems should be discussed privately and amicably. Both clubs declined to comment further but generally consider themselves to have good relations.
The Saudi Pro League clubs have spent over £750 million during this transfer window since PIF took control of Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr in June. Several European clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, have benefited from the Saudi spending. They were able to sell players, many of whom were out of favor or had a year remaining on their contracts, for substantial transfer fees.
In contrast, Dortmund has not sold any players to the Saudi Pro League during the summer window. This discrepancy raises questions about the fairness and balance in the transfer market.
UEFA has been contacted by The Athletic for comment regarding these concerns but has not yet responded.
The Impact of Saudi Pro League Spending
The significant investment from Saudi Arabia in the European transfer market has raised eyebrows and sparked debates about fairness and competitiveness. The influx of cash from the state sovereign wealth fund PIF has allowed Saudi Pro League clubs to make high-profile signings and compete with some of Europe’s top clubs.
Clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Wolverhampton Wanderers have taken advantage of the Saudi spending spree. They have been able to offload players who were out of favor or had expiring contracts for substantial transfer fees. This influx of funds has undoubtedly boosted their financial positions and given them more flexibility in the transfer market.
However, the concerns raised by Dortmund’s CFO highlight potential issues with Financial Fair Play regulations. These rules were implemented by UEFA to ensure financial stability and fair competition among clubs. If certain clubs can circumvent these regulations through external investments, it raises questions about the effectiveness and integrity of the system.
The Apology and Future Relations
Following Tress’s comments, Dortmund’s CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, reached out to PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, to apologize for any offense caused. The two clubs are set to face each other in the Champions League in the coming weeks and aim to maintain good relations despite this incident.
It is crucial for clubs to maintain positive relationships and open lines of communication to address any concerns or disputes. Publicly airing grievances can lead to unnecessary tension and damage the reputation of both clubs involved. Private discussions and amicable resolutions should be the preferred approach to maintain a healthy and cooperative environment within the football community.
Looking Ahead
The controversy surrounding PSG’s transfer deal with Al-Hilal and the broader issue of Saudi Pro League spending raises important questions about the fairness and competitiveness of the transfer market. UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules need to be carefully examined and potentially revised to ensure a level playing field for all clubs.
Transparency and accountability are crucial in maintaining the integrity of football competitions. Clubs, governing bodies, and financial regulators must work together to address any loopholes or imbalances that may arise from external investments.
As the football landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to adapt regulations and policies to protect the sport’s core principles. The discussions sparked by Dortmund’s CFO serve as a reminder that constant vigilance is necessary to preserve fair competition and the spirit of the game.