Use against KVaratskhelia: What sanctions for PSG?

Olympique Lyonnais launched a legal bomb by contesting the eligibility of KHVITCHA KVARATSKHELIA during OL-PSG (2-3). The club accuses Paris Saint-Germain of having violated the financial rules to enlist the Georgian striker. If the league proves Lyon right, the consequences could be heavy for PSG … and redistribute the cards in Ligue 1. But we are not there yet.

OL accusations: “illicit funding”

In its complaint, OL relies on articles 556 and 560 of the LFP regulation. John Textor, President of Lyon, says that PSG has financed the transfer of KVaratskhelia (estimated at € 90 million) via “Prohibited foreign subsidies”in connection with Qatar. An alleged violation of the rules prohibiting direct injections of public money in clubs.

What sanctions for PSG?

If the LFP legal committee validates these accusations, PSG faces a defeat by package (0-3), according to article 560. The goals scored by KVaratskhelia (including a double on Sunday) would be canceled, and Lyon declared victorious. PSG would then lose 3 points in the classification, going from 58 to 55 points, while OL would climb from 35 to 38 points. A rare sanction, but already applied in 2021 against SCO Angers for a similar case.

Beyond the match, PSG could undergo a record fine (up to € 5 million depending on the regulations) and a temporary embargo on transfers. The LFP could also demand an in -depth investigation into club finances, which would rekindle criticism on the Qatari model.

Lyon acts in response to the attack on his rival. PSG itself attacked OL concerning Thiago Almada, loaned by Botafogo (another club of the Eagle Galaxy of Textor). A maneuver to delegitimize the Lyonnaise complaint, but which will not prevent the LFP from deciding.

Previous and uncertainties

No recent cases in Ligue 1 saw a club lose a match for

“Illicit funding”. Sanctions for “Non -eligible player” generally concern administrative errors (contract not registered in time). Here, OL relies on a broad interpretation of the rules to strike a rival.

The latest precedent relating to players aligned in France when they should not have been dates back to the 2000s, with AS Saint-Etienne sanctioned for a false passport case. The club had used fraudulent documents to enlist non-UNE players, such as the Brazilian Alex Dias, bypassing the quotas. The LFP had inflicted a deduction of points and fines, relegating the Greens in the middle of the table. An emblematic case of administrative fraud punished severely. Of course, Kvaratskhelia is not in this situation.

If PSG is sanctioned, it would lose 3 points (going from 59 to 56), while OL would win 3 (36 → 39). The title race (currently led by PSG) would be relaunched.

The decision, expected within 10 days, will have major repercussions. Sanction PSG would amount to questioning its financial model, supported by Qatar. The innocent could stir up criticism on a two -speed Ligue 1. Total suspense …