PSG without key figure for Chelsea clash as Middle East conflict leaves him stranded

PSG are facing Chelsea in the Champions League last 16 without their president Nasser Al‑Khelaifi watching on as he remains stuck in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict

PSG president Nasser Al‑Khelaifi is not present at the Parc des Princes for the visit of Chelsea having been unable to travel from Doha due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Qatari calls the shots in the French capital and is rarely, if ever, missing from the stands, especially for home games. But the European champions will play the Blues without Al‑Khelaifi in attendance.

A host of major figures across all walks of life are trying to navigate the logistical nightmare that exists as a result of the American and Israeli strikes on February 28. Despite being in one of the world's most vital aviation hubs a host of flights have been grounded.

Despite being missing, the senior figure remains in contact with key staff, including Luis Campos and the coaching team, as PSG bid to continue their hopes of retaining their Champions League crown.

PSG's rise to the top of Europe began well over a decade ago when the Qataris, led by Al‑Khelaifi, bought the club. They ploughed millions into the club, breaking world transfer records in their bid to eventually conquer Europe.

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They achieved the feat last season with Luis Enrique at the helm. He presided over a treble success that culminated with them winning 5-0 in the final as they downed Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in emphatic fashion.

Al‑Khelaifi declared their victory last term a triumph for French football. He told Canal+: "This year has been very special, we had a difficult start, everyone criticised us, doubted us, and now, many people did not have confidence in our project, our investments... Today, we have proven that we are here, we are champions, I find it hard to believe. 5-0, it's incredible, it's a dream.

"We're defending the French flag, we're a French club, we deserve it. There are a lot of big clubs in France. Everyone criticises France, saying we don't have quality, but we showed today that we have great players. The goal? To win again. It's been 14 years of work. We had the second-youngest team in the final. We're building something for the future. We have the best coach and the best sporting director in the world. We're a great club."

PSG needed to negotiate Monaco in the knockout play-off round to keep their Champions League hopes alive. In the last 16 they will have the chance to exact revenge on Chelsea, who beat them in the Club World Cup final back in the summer.