Outspoken Montpellier HSC president Louis Nicollin has questioned whether Paris Saint-Germain's new owners have sacrificed the club's identity.
PSG have splashed the cash since being taken over by Qatari Sports Investment in August, with their spending policy coming in for some criticism.
Montpellier, who are enjoying a remarkable season in Ligue 1, currently occupy second place, one point behind the mega-rich capital team.
However, despite their new-found wealth, Nicollin has said that he bears no ill feeling toward Les Parisiens.
"I have always liked PSG," Nicollin told www.ligue1.com. "Now they are owned by the Qataris. I have nothing against the Qataris.
"[I am] quite the opposite and so bully for the Parisians, but hasn't some of the identity been lost? I am sure that some fans are happy that the club hasn't sold its soul and you can't go overboard but somehow it is annoying.
"The next three or four years will be a stroll for PSG and I don't think it's necessary to get into an arms race with the big clubs. We can fight for second or third, that's fine. What is important is that we - a modest club - are in the top flight."
Nicollin took over at Montpellier in 1974.
Michael Penkman
