Financial fair play: Contract between Paris SG and QTA at heart of debate

The top goal of the partnership between Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1) and QTA (Qatar Tourism Authority) is to "significantly increase awareness of Qatar as a leading tourist destination," Jean-Claude Blanc, chief operating officer of Paris Saint-Germain, said to News Tank on 13/11/2013.

"To achieve this," he said, "the Qatar Tourism Authority has partnered with Paris Saint-Germain who uniquely bring two tools: the media power of football and the prestigious image of the city of Paris."

"The new chapter we started on 29/10/2013 discusses how to go from building awareness of Qatar, who actively participate in Paris Saint-Germain, to its recommendation as a tourist destination. The strong ambition displayed by QTA, is to build in the country, in 15 years, a tourism industry worth $10bn."

This contract, which will yield €150m- €200m per year for Paris Saint-Germain is being closely scrutinised by the CFCB (Club Financial Control Body), which is charged by UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) with finding out whether clubs in Europe are respecting financial fair play rules. This…