Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al Khelaifi has spoken out after he was acquitted of all charges in his corruption case, saying the verdict has restored his ‘faith’ in the law.
On Friday, a Swiss court cleared the Chairman of BeIN Sports, who had been charged with inciting the former FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, to commit aggravated mismanagement when distributing the media rights to the World Cup and other major competitions.
Valcke, on the other hand, was found guilty of forging important documents but cleared of the remaining accusations brought against him. His 120-day sentence has been suspended and the Frenchman made to pay FIFA £1.5 million in restitution and an additional £67,000 in other costs.
“After a relentless four-year campaign against me that ignored the basic facts and the law at every turn – I have finally, fully and completely cleared my name,” Al Khelaifi’s statement issued by his legal team read.
“Today’s verdict is a total vindication. It restores my faith in the rule of law and in due process, after four years of baseless allegations, fictitious charges and constant smears of my reputation – all of which have been proven to be completely and wholly unsubstantiated.”
FIFA withdrew a further complaint of bribery against Al Khelaif after agreeing to a settlement with the businessman before the trial.
The European Club Association (ECA) representative is now looking to the future with the trial behind him.
“I can now devote all my energy to my various roles, which are all focused on building a positive future for world sport – at a time when the industry needs strong leadership the most,” he concluded.