LOSC fans are preparing to experience a very frustrating evening. While their club, currently placed 11th in the standings of the regular phase of the Europa League, travels to the pitch of the Young Boys of Berne this Thursday for the 6th day, the followers of the Mastiffs will have to find an indirect way to watch the match.
Indeed, the meeting cannot be broadcast in France due to the Swiss team’s jersey sponsor: “Plus 500”. The latter corresponds to an investment company which French law prohibits from promoting during sports competitions broadcast on French soil. Since the end of 2016, the Consumer Code has effectively regulated the promotion of this type of investment services relating to financial contracts classified as very risky.
Taken over by the National Investigation Service of the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF) in January 2025 after broadcasting Young Boys matches despite their banned sponsor, Canal +, broadcaster of European competitions in France, ended up complying with the rules in force.
“Logic that the law is applied”
Since blurring the sponsor live is impossible from a technological point of view and the law cannot be modified for a particular event, Lille supporters will therefore have to be content with the radio to follow their team’s match. They will also have the possibility of taking out a subscription with a foreign broadcaster (Blue Sport, Sky Sport Austria or Viaplay).
“For us, it doesn’t change much, we don’t worry too much about all that when we’re on the pitch,” commented Bruno Genesio, LOSC coach, this Wednesday at a press conference. “There are laws which are passed by our parliamentarians, if I understand correctly, on risky investment companies. As long as there is a law, it seems logical to me that it should be applied,” he reacted soberly.
As a reminder, Canal + faces a fine of up to 100,000 euros in the event of a breach. Olympique Lyonnais, who will face Young Boys on January 22 in the Europa League, should logically find themselves in the same impasse.
Worth a look
