Tokayev discusses football development and club privatization with PSG chairman

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with UEFA Executive Committee member and Paris Saint-Germain shareholder Nasser Al-Khelaifi to discuss the future of football in Kazakhstan, Akorda reported.

Tokayev thanked Al-Khelaifi for his contribution to the development of global football and touched upon Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to reform its domestic football system.

“The Head of State addressed the issues of football development, recalling the reforms initiated in the country related to the privatization of football clubs,” Akorda said in a statement.

Earlier, Tokayev urged to accelerate the privatization process, with the first four Kazakh clubs already finding potential owners.

Al-Khelaifi, a prominent Qatari businessman, visited Astana as the chairman of the Premier Padel professional world tour. He is also known for his leadership role in Qatar Sports Investments, which acquired a 70 percent stake in Paris Saint-Germain in 2011. Since then, he has remained part of the club’s executive management.

Last year, PSG claimed its first-ever UEFA Champions League title, defeating Inter Milan 5–0 in the final.

Meanwhile, Petropavl-based FC Kyzyl-Zhar announced today that it has officially transitioned into private ownership — becoming one of the first clubs in Kazakhstan to do so.