PSG spending accepted by French authorities

Published on: 13 December 2017

Paris Saint-Germain's finances have been given a clean bill of health by French football's financial watchdog despite their massive summer spending spree on Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Neymar signed for PSG after the French club triggered the €222 million release clause in his contract with Barcelona, while Mbappe was brought to Paris in a loan deal that -- when made permanent next summer -- will cost €180m.

Though a UEFA investigation into whether PSG's transfer dealings might mean they have infringed financial fair play regulations is ongoing, the DNCG -- Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion, the body that scrutinises the financial situation of French clubs domestically -- gave the Ligue 1 leaders the green light on Monday.

That means they can pursue transfer targets in the upcoming winter window, unlike top-flight counterparts Lille, who have been forbidden from doing so.

FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

After hearing from Lille owner Gerard Lopez, who only took over the club last season, and CEO Marc Ingla, the DNCG decided to take the step in order to ensure the club can meet their financial obligations between now and the end of the season.

According to a report by RMC, Lille, who are currently in Ligue 1's promotion/relegation playoff spot on goal difference despite spending €60m last summer, could face relegation due to their financial troubles.

They are also searching for a new coach after the removal of Marcelo Bielsa, who only took charge last summer.

In a statement, the club expressed their surprise at the "unexpected" decision, and vowed to convince the DNCG they could get their books in order.

It read: "The Lille board is determined to study the existing avenues of recourse and is convinced to be able to provide -- given the DNCG's demands -- the necessary answers to again show the solidity of the club's financial project, and to continue the growth and investment plans for LOSC."

Source: espn.co.uk

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