In a straightforward column on LinkedIn, Me Gaspard de Monclin, a lawyer at the Paris bar, questions how public opinion perceives foreign investments in sport... depending on whether they are American or Qatari. In his eyes, a Two weights, two measures persistent reflects a certain cultural contempt, far removed from economic realities.

"When an American invests in a sports club, we talk about an investment. When it's a Qatari, we talk about the whim of an oil-fueled Bedouin."

This sentence would sum up the gap in media coverage often observed. However, the numbers tell a completely different story, says Me de Monclin. Taking the example of the Paris Saint-Germain, owned by QSI (Qatar Sports Investments) since 2011, he presents a financial report that he considers spectacular :

  • Club purchase price: 100 million
  • Total investment since 2011: 2,283 billion
  • Current valuation of PSG: 4,7 billion
  • Latent capital gain: 2,5 billion
  • Latent cash-on-cash ratio: x2,2

“We’re talking about performance. Not whims.”

Qatari investments in sport: between fantasy and economic reality

Conversely, the lawyer draws up a harsh observation on several American owners in Europe :

  • Frank McCourt in Marseille : “No title, no valuation”
  • Elliott Management at AC Milan : “Hasty resale”
  • John Textor in Lyon : “Deficits, conflicts, courts”

"The Americans squandered. The Qataris built."

According to Mr. de Monclin, Qatar's project with PSG is part of a long-term vision : attract stars to build a global brand, then invest in infrastructure (stadium, training center) and training. A coherent, methodical, and now lucrative strategy.

The lawyer also recalls that Qatar diversifies its sports investments : SC Braga in Portugal, a Formula 1 team, But also professional padel, a booming sector with the acquisition of World Padel Tour (certainly under special conditions and the creation and development of Premier Padel.

"Qatar doesn't just own, it structures, professionalizes and adds value. This is exactly what it is doing with Premier Padel »

With the (decisive?) support of the International Padel Federation (FIP), the Qatari project has managed to bring almost everyone into agreement, attract major sponsors, increase prize money and ensure international exposure. Premier Padel (and the acquisition of the WPT, even if the story is obviously very different compared to football), QSI has the same objective:

"This is neither a whim nor corruption. Qatar is creating value. It's time to move on from this contempt."

So? Do you agree with Mr. Gaspard de Monclin or not?

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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