Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is under investigation for the kidnapping and torture of a French-Algerian lobbyist.

Three investigators have been appointed in Paris in the case of the Qatari athlete, according to sources cited by Figaro, while L’Equipe said the case concerns the alleged kidnapping and torture of 42-year-old lobbyist Tayeb Benabderrahman.

Al-Khelaifi denies all allegations against him and said the case will “take the path of justice.”

Benabderrahman claims he was detained in Qatar for six months starting in January 2020, saying he was in possession of documents containing information about Al-Khelaifi. His lawyers, Maestro Romain Ruiz and Gabriel Weinard, said they were “very pleased” with the decision to investigate the case.

The case is said to be related to documents relating to the award of the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar, as well as the television rights to the 2026 and 2030 World Cups for BeIN Media, of which Al-Khelaifi is the chairman.

Benabderrahmane claims that he was detained for six months in Qatar after his arrest in January 2020 and that he was tortured during this time and then placed under house arrest. The lobbyist describes how he was allowed to leave in November after signing a document promising not to release “confidential” documents related to Al-Khelaifi.

Al-Khelaifi, 49, was under investigation in the past for his relationship with former FIFA member Jerome Wakel but was acquitted.

Al-Khelaifi was a member of the organizing committee for the World Cup and is the chairman of Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). He is an experienced tennis player and in 2002 was ranked 995th in the world rankings.

He became president and CEO of PSG after the club was taken over by QSI in 2011.

Source Figaro, L’Equipe, Sun