Lyon Owner John Textor Criticizes PSG Influence in Ligue 1 Governance

John Textor accuses PSG's Nasser Al-Khelaïfi of dominating French football decision-making and labels Ligue 1 president Vincent Labrune a 'lapdog.'

John Textor, owner of Olympique Lyonnais, criticized the influence of PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi on Ligue 1 governance during a radio interview on RMC.
Textor accused Ligue 1 president Vincent Labrune of being overly submissive to Al-Khelaïfi during a key meeting on TV rights negotiations in July 2024.
He claimed that Al-Khelaïfi, who also heads beIN Sports, dominated discussions and used intimidation tactics, raising concerns over conflicts of interest in French football.
Textor also criticized the financial disparity created by PSG's state-backed funding, alleging it undermines fair competition in Ligue 1.
Both PSG and the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) issued strong rebuttals, defending their actions and questioning Textor's remarks, with further discussions between Textor and Labrune planned.