The dispute between Paris Saint-Germain and Paris town hall is escalating.
Tensions between Paris Saint-Germain and Paris City Hall are growing. Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the Parisian president, accused the Paris town hall of discrimination against Qatar, contesting its opposition to the sale of the Parc des Princes to the club. In response, David Belliard, deputy to Mayor Anne Hidalgo, firmly refuted these allegations. He emphasizes that his opposition to the sale of the Park to the Qataris, current tenants via PSG, is motivated by the preservation of Parisian heritage against private interests, without distinction of nationality.
“Calling me racist is defamation, and is not at the level of the issues at stake in this important debate,” Belliard declared. I have explicitly indicated that I will oppose the sale of the Park to the Qataris, current tenants via PSG, as well as any other private interest. These are my exact words that everyone can find in my interview. Yes, I accept the fact that I will oppose the sale of this Parisian heritage to private interests, whatever their nationality. I believe that this must remain a common good and therefore a municipal good. »
Belliard’s reaction highlights the worsening conflict between the capital club and Paris town hall. The sale of the stadium is, however, crucial for the French champion who wishes to renovate the Parisian enclosure, while the municipality aspires to keep it in the public domain. It seems likely that the conflict between the two sides will continue to escalate in the coming weeks.
