PARIS – After nearly five decades on French television, the iconic football program Téléfoot is set to conclude its run on June 14th, replaced by a broader multisport offering from TF1, the French television network. The decision has sparked widespread reaction, with former player and long-time program contributor Jean-Michel Larqué delivering a particularly scathing critique, calling the move a “catastrophic editorial choice.”
Téléfoot, which debuted in 1977, became a Sunday morning ritual for generations of French football fans. The show, currently presented by Grégoire Margotton, has served as a platform for countless personalities within the sport, and its demise marks the end of an era. Larqué, who has been a fixture on the program for many years, expressed his dismay in an interview with RMC, describing the situation as a “slow agony.”
“Téléfoot is part of my life,” the 78-year-old former footballer said. “I’m witnessing a slow agony, and witnessing a slow agony is never joyful. We’re waiting for the last gasp, and it’s coming exceptionally soon.”
A Shift in Priorities: Football Takes a Backseat
Larqué’s criticism centers on what he perceives as a deliberate shift away from football by TF1, in favor of other sports, particularly rugby. He pointed to a change in programming priorities, arguing that the network has “turned its back on its best audiences.” According to Larqué, the twenty highest-rated broadcasts on TF1 during his time with the network were all football matches. “We’ve turned our backs on that, we’ve relinquished the rights we had to buy rugby, which is more lucrative… We no longer showcase football,” he lamented.
The decision to prioritize rugby over football reflects a broader trend in French sports broadcasting, where rights fees and audience demographics are increasingly influencing programming decisions. Even as rugby’s popularity is growing in France, Larqué believes that abandoning football, even partially, is a misstep. He acknowledged the possibility that football itself may have contributed to this shift, but maintained that the editorial decision was fundamentally flawed.
This isn’t simply about ratings, however. Larqué mourns the loss of a particular style of football coverage that he believes has disappeared. He fondly recalled the operate of the late Didier Roustan, a renowned documentary filmmaker whose innovative and immersive approach to football storytelling captivated audiences. “At the time, Didier Roustan’s documentaries were true masterpieces,” Larqué said. “He would move and do a portrait of Luis Fernandez disguised as a tiger… He did absolutely magnificent things. We were on all the pitches. It’s a choice. Téléfoot is dying, long live Téléfoot.”
The sentiment echoes a broader nostalgia for a bygone era of sports broadcasting, one characterized by a more intimate and personality-driven approach. For many French fans, Téléfoot wasn’t just a show; it was a cultural touchstone, a weekly gathering point for passionate discussion and debate.
A Legacy of Presenters and Moments
Throughout its nearly 50-year history, Téléfoot has been graced by a succession of iconic presenters, each leaving their mark on the program. From its creator, Pierre Cangioni, in 1977, to Michel Denisot, Thierry Roland, Thierry Gilardi, Christian Jeanpierre, and most recently, Grégoire Margotton, the show has consistently benefited from strong on-air personalities.
Thierry Roland, in particular, is remembered as a defining figure of the program, anchoring the broadcast for many years and becoming synonymous with French football coverage. Jean-Michel Larqué himself enjoyed a long and successful run as a presenter and analyst, providing insightful commentary and engaging with viewers.
The program’s decline in viewership, from 4 million in the 2000s to over 800,000 more recently, is undoubtedly a factor in TF1’s decision. The rise of social media and the proliferation of online sports content have fragmented audiences and presented latest challenges for traditional television programs. However, Larqué argues that the loss of football rights and the shift in editorial focus were the primary drivers of the decline.
TF1 has indicated that the Téléfoot brand will continue to exist in a digital format, via its TF1+ platform. The network is also planning to launch a new multisport program in its place. While this may offer some continuity for viewers, it’s unlikely to replicate the unique atmosphere and cultural significance of the original Téléfoot.
The end of Téléfoot represents more than just the cancellation of a television show. It signifies a changing landscape in French sports media, one where commercial considerations are increasingly outweighing the passion and tradition that once defined the coverage of the beautiful game. For Jean-Michel Larqué, and for many French football fans, it’s a loss that will be deeply felt.
The final episode of Téléfoot is scheduled to air on June 14th, 2026. Following the program’s conclusion, TF1 will launch its new multisport offering in September. Fans can continue to follow football coverage on TF1+ and other sports platforms.
