DistantNews
Support us
🇫🇷 France /Elections & Politics

French club presidents reject proposed football reform, citing risks to finances and governance

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • 22 presidents of French Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs oppose a proposed reform of French football governance.
  • They argue the current proposal adds constraints and weakens the professional football model, diverging from successful European leagues like the Premier League.
  • Key concerns include the potential reduction in audiovisual rights value and the weakening of clubs' influence in decision-making.

A significant group of French professional football leaders has voiced strong opposition to a proposed reform of the sport's governance, arguing it would weaken the existing model rather than strengthen it. In a joint tribune published in Le Figaro, 22 presidents from Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs stated that while they are in favor of reform, the current proposal is not the right path forward.

We want to say clearly: professional clubs have always been in favor of reform. Contrary to what a very vocal minority presents, which has spent the last few months instrumentalizing this debate for purely political ends, this desire is old and necessary.

— 22 Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 presidentsExpressing their long-standing support for reform while criticizing the current proposal.

The club presidents expressed concern that the proposed changes would introduce unnecessary constraints and multiply decision-making levels, thereby fragmenting a system that requires clarity. They specifically pointed to provisions like the mandatory broadcast of a match in free-to-air television, arguing it would mechanically reduce the value of audiovisual rights, which are the primary revenue source for professional football in France.

But the reform that is being proposed to us today does not meet this objective. As it stands, it cannot be supported.

— 22 Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 presidentsStating their rejection of the current reform proposal.

Furthermore, the signatories criticized the proposed shift in the voting balance, which they believe would diminish the influence of clubs in decisions directly impacting their economic future. They also highlighted a blurring of lines between regulatory and decision-making roles, moving away from the transparent and efficient models seen in major European leagues, such as the English Premier League.

It does not simplify: it adds constraints, multiplies decision-making levels, and weakens a model that needs clarity.

— 22 Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 presidentsDetailing their specific criticisms of the proposed reform's structure.

The presidents advocate for a model where clubs drive economic and commercial strategy, with the federation acting solely as a regulator, similar to the Premier League's structure. They believe the current text fails to address the growing issue of piracy, which they identify as a major economic challenge for French football, and ultimately moves French football away from the standards of other major European leagues.

The obligation to broadcast a match in the clear, for example, is not neutral: it mechanically reduces the value of audiovisual rights, which constitute the main resource of French professional football.

— 22 Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 presidentsHighlighting a specific provision that they believe will harm the sport's finances.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog