Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 6y

PSG's January transfer plans in disarray after UEFA setback

Paris Saint-Germain's transfer plans could be under threat amid additional financial fair play (FFP) investigations into their activity.

UEFA has referred its FFP investigation to the investigatory chamber of its Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) for further review, meaning PSG's ability to spend during the January transfer window is at risk.

PSG initially avoided sanctions for 2015, 2016 and 2017, and they raised nearly €50 million before the end of June at UEFA's request through the sales of Javier Pastore, Yuri Berchiche, Odsonne Edouard and Jonathan Ikone in order to avoid further complications.

But shortly after PSG sold those four players, UEFA reviewed its ruling to clear them over the three-year period and publicised its decision to further investigate the club's revenue on Tuesday.

"PSG have noted the CFCB's decision to refer the case to its investigatory chamber," the club said in a statement. "As always, the club will continue to communicate in a serene manner with the appropriate bodies of the CFCB and will transmit to the investigatory chamber any other information deemed necessary."

FFP rules forbid clubs from spending more money than they generate in order to prevent them from trying to buy success while distorting the transfer market. Offending clubs can be banned from transfer activity or European competition, but UEFA has preferred to negotiate settlements in the past.

PSG, owned by Qatari Sports Investments, a department of the Qatar government, have been scrutinised by UEFA for the value of their Qatar-based contracts -- including those with the Qatar Tourism Authority and the Qatar National Bank -- despite a recent diversification in the club's revenue.

A further review of PSG's accounting could take months, potentially delaying their ability to sign players during the January transfer window while investigations are carried out.

PSG have been under scrutiny since September 2017 after signing Neymar from Barcelona for a record €222m and Kylian Mbappe on loan from Monaco with a €180m obligation to buy.

UEFA will not consider the signings of those two players until its annual review next year. PSG, who believe they will eventually be cleared of wrongdoing, are expected to announce additional revenue streams before the end of the season to ensure the signings of Neymar and Mbappe follow FFP rules.

They already raised additional funds this summer through other sales, notably Goncalo Guedes' €40m move to Valencia in August.

Meanwhile, coach Thomas Tuchel has rejected the idea that midfielder Adrien Rabiot's form has suffered as uncertainty over his PSG future grows.

The France international is into the final 12 months of his contract and is yet to commit his future to the club amid interest from Barcelona, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of PSG's Ligue 1 clash at home to Reims on Wednesday, Tuchel explained that Rabiot has had a busy start to the season.

"No, it is not the contract situation -- Adrien is tired because he is playing all the time," said Tuchel. "He has played every minute because he did the entire preseason.

"In Liverpool, Adrien found it hard like the rest of the team. In Rennes, he lacked a bit of concentration and accuracy in his passing. I feel that Adrien is a bit tired. However, I like it with him on the pitch -- he adds physicality.

"We need to manage his playing time intelligently over the next few matches, so we will discuss it together. Adrien will be suspended against Lyon and then have a 10-day break."

On the topic of Flamengo's Lucas Paqueta, who has been linked with a January move to PSG recently, Tuchel said: "I know him. It is good that he is part of the national team. However, I will not comment -- he is a Flamengo player."

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