Bayern Munich supporters made their opinions clear during their team’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Allianz Arena, using the game as a platform to voice strong disapproval of PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
While Bayern secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the French side, the fans’ protest against Al-Khelaifi dominated the headlines, illustrating their frustrations with his influence on football, both on and off the pitch.
On the pitch, it was a positive night for Bayern Munich. Kim Min-jae’s first-half header proved decisive, extending Bayern’s unbeaten streak to seven games without conceding a goal across all competitions.
PSG’s Ousmane Dembele saw red early in the second half, leaving the visitors’ hopes of salvaging the game in tatters and putting their Champions League aspirations in jeopardy as the French giants sit in 26th, outside the playoff places.
However, while Bayern celebrated their victory, the atmosphere in the stands was marked by pointed protests.
Banners in the Südkurve (South End) accused Al-Khelaifi of being a “plutocratic” figure in football, a sentiment amplified by an image of his face crossed out and slogans such as, “Minister, club owner, TV rights holder, UEFA ExCo member & ECA chairman all in one?” The message was clear and unmissable, a direct indictment of what many see as Al-Khelaifi’s overreaching influence.
The term “plutocracy,” defined as governance by the wealthy, encapsulates the growing frustration among European football fans regarding the sport’s financial elitism.
Al-Khelaifi’s numerous roles in football’s power structure—including chairman of Qatar Sports Investments (owners of PSG), chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), and a member of UEFA’s executive committee—make him a lightning rod for criticism.
The fans’ banners called attention to these overlapping positions, accusing him of consolidating too much power and raising questions about conflicts of interest.
Al-Khelaifi’s simultaneous positions as chairman of QSI, which owns PSG, and president of PSG create a significant concentration of power. This dual role raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly in decision-making processes that affect both the club and broader football governance.
Along with this, being the chairman of the ECA, also gives him some power in shaping policies that affect all clubs participating in UEFA competitions, raising another conflict of interest issue.
As head of beIN Media Group, a major broadcast partner of UEFA competitions, Al-Khelaifi’s influence extends beyond club management, touching commercial and broadcast rights. This concentration of power has fueled accusations that his involvement skews decision-making in favor of financial interests over the spirit of competition.
The banners and protests also sparked discussion on social media, where most fans backed Bayern Munich supporters in their criticism of Al-Khelaifi and his roles.
Al-Khelaifi’s controversies are not confined to his roles. In 2022, he faced scrutiny following PSG’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. Reports detailed heated confrontations involving Al-Khelaifi and PSG’s then-sporting director Leonardo with match officials.
While Leonardo faced sanctions, Al-Khelaifi’s actions went unpunished, a decision that left many questioning UEFA’s impartiality.
Bayern fans are no strangers to activism. They previously protested their club’s sponsorship ties with Qatar Airways, citing human rights abuses associated with Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
These protests culminated in Bayern opting not to renew their sponsorship deal with the airline. This latest demonstration against Al-Khelaifi underscores a broader dissatisfaction with the commercialization of football.
The protest at the Allianz Arena was a stark reminder of the growing rift between football’s financial elite and its fan base, especially after the attempted Super League saga. Whether UEFA or Al-Khelaifi take notice remains to be seen, but the Bayern fans’ message was unequivocal: football’s soul must not be sacrificed at the altar of wealth and influence.