Qatar Sports Investments, the majority shareholder of Paris Saint-Germain, is in advanced negotiations to acquire Málaga CF, currently in Spain’s Second Division. According to ‘Sky News’ and ‘L’Équipe’, the deal could be finalized for an estimated value of 100 million euros, with a resolution expected soon.
CLUB IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE
Málaga CF, owned by the Spanish hotel and real estate group Bluebay (49%) and Qatari businessman Abdullah al-Thani, is facing severe financial difficulties. The potential acquisition by QSI would expand its presence in football, adding to its stakes in PSG (87.5%) and Braga de Portugal (21.67%).
Beyond football, QSI has diversified its investments into other sports, including the launch of Premier Padel, acquiring shares in the Audi Formula 1 team in 2024, and the Washington Wizards NBA team in 2023.
MÁLAGA, A STRATEGIC CITY
A QSI spokesperson highlighted Málaga’s appeal for several reasons, including the city’s potential to host the 2030 World Cup after a stadium modernization project, and its importance as a market, being the sixth-largest city in Spain. The club’s last major success was in the 2012-2013 season, when it reached the Champions League quarterfinals.
“QSI is currently exploring a range of investment opportunities in Europe and America,” the spokesperson said, also mentioning ongoing negotiations for a project in Belgium.
IMPACT ON PSG AND THE QSI NETWORK
The acquisition of Málaga CF, which would be the only club 100% owned by QSI, could have implications for PSG. According to UEFA regulations, two clubs managed by the same owner cannot compete in the same European competition, which could pose challenges if Málaga achieves promotion and qualifies for the Champions League in the future.
As with Braga, QSI could establish links between PSG and Málaga, particularly in the development of youth players. In recent years, some players not retained by PSG have found opportunities at Braga, such as Ismaël Gharbi. Additionally, the women’s teams of PSG and Braga have already collaborated, playing against each other during the inauguration of the Amélia-Morais stadium in February.
A GLOBAL EXPANSION STRATEGY
QSI continues to explore new investment opportunities in football and other sports, further consolidating its global influence. Meanwhile, PSG could also welcome new investors, having recently sold 12.5% of its shares to the American investment fund Arctos. However, sources close to the matter confirm that QSI does not plan to withdraw from PSG but is instead seeking partners who can bring new ideas to the existing project.
The potential acquisition of Málaga CF reinforces QSI’s expansion strategy, aiming to strengthen its presence in key markets and build stronger connections between its clubs.
