PARIS – A coalition of seven prominent French football clubs, including Olympique Lyonnais and FC Metz, have publicly called on the government to accelerate reforms aimed at stabilizing the financially fragile professional football landscape. The appeal centers around a legislative proposal drafted by Senators Laurent Lafon and Michel Savin, initially passed by the Senate in June 2025, but which remains stalled in the legislative process. The clubs warn that without swift action, French football risks falling further behind its European counterparts.
The push for reform comes amid growing concerns over the financial health of Ligue 1 clubs, exacerbated by a significant decline in television rights revenue. The clubs argue that the current organizational structure and financing model are unsustainable, threatening the long-term viability of the league and its place within the European game. The situation has been brewing for some time, with a report from October 2024 already highlighting the issues of financialization within French professional football, prompting the initial legislative response.
Economic Weight and Declining Revenue
The clubs emphasized the significant economic impact of professional football in France, stating that it supports 40,000 jobs and generates over €5 billion in revenue, contributing more than €1 billion in taxes and social contributions. Although, they also highlighted a worrying trend: the decreasing proportion of revenue derived from television rights. Currently, TV rights account for only 19% of total revenue for Ligue 1 clubs, a stark contrast to the 35% to 46% seen in other major European leagues.
This decline in revenue is fueling fears of a “risk of déclassement” – a downgrading in competitive standing – for French football. Club owners and presidents, including Michele Kang of Olympique Lyonnais, Bernard Serin of FC Metz, and Frank McCourt of Olympique de Marseille, are increasingly concerned about the consequences for the sporting performance of their teams and the overall attractiveness of the league.
Call for Modernized Governance
The clubs are advocating for the legislative proposal to “professionalize the management of audiovisual rights and rethink the strategy for promoting our championship to the public and broadcasters.” A key component of the proposed reforms involves replacing the current Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), led by President Vincent Labrune, with a company owned by the clubs themselves. This model, they argue, is already successfully implemented in several other major European leagues and would allow for more effective collective bargaining and revenue distribution.
Senator Michel Savin recently urged clubs to actively lobby the government for support, stating, “Today, a number of clubs require to take a position, including some that really matter, that have a strong voice in French football.” call has been answered, with this unified front representing a significant escalation in pressure on lawmakers.
The Signatories
The joint statement was signed by the following club leaders:
- Guillaume Cerutti, President of Stade Rennais FC
- Pierre Ferracci, President of Paris FC
- Michele Kang, President of Olympique Lyonnais
- Frank McCourt, Owner of Olympique de Marseille and Executive Chairman, McCourt Global
- Joseph Oughourlian, Owner and President of RC Lens
- Jean-Michel Roussier, President of Havre AC
- Bernard Serin, Owner and President of FC Metz
The situation reflects a broader crisis in French football, stemming from disputes over broadcasting rights and financial mismanagement. The Senate’s initial investigation into the financialization of professional football, completed in October 2024, laid the groundwork for the proposed legislation, but its implementation has been delayed. The urgency of the situation is now being underscored by the clubs themselves, who see reform as essential to securing the future of the sport in France.
The proposed law aims to provide a renewed framework and tools for professional football, allowing it to collectively chart a course towards a more sustainable future. The clubs hope that by presenting a united front, they can convince the government to prioritize the legislation and address the systemic issues plaguing the league.
The next key step will be the government’s response to this coordinated appeal. With the new season approaching, the pressure is mounting to find a resolution and prevent further deterioration of the financial and competitive landscape of French professional football. Further updates on the legislative process are expected in the coming weeks.
