Ligue 1 clubs have urged the French government to accelerate governance reforms as the country’s professional football sector faces mounting financial and structural challenges.
French Senators Laurent Lafon and Michel Savin warned that French football is experiencing a serious economic and governance crisis, calling on the National Assembly to urgently debate legislation aimed at restructuring the organization and financing of professional sport.
The proposed reform bill was approved by the Senate in June 2025 with cross-party backing but has yet to be debated in the lower chamber of parliament.
In an opinion piece published in Le Monde, the senators warned that delays are worsening the financial situation for clubs. They pointed to declining investment value from private equity firm CVC Capital Partners, alongside data from UEFA showing growing financial imbalances between Ligue 1 teams.
Broadcasting and Piracy Pressures
Broadcasting rights remain a critical revenue stream for clubs, but the sector is under increasing pressure. According to the senators, nearly one in five French viewers watch sport through illegal streams, with football representing roughly half of the piracy activity.
They argued that France’s current anti-piracy framework remains less effective than those used in other European markets, adding that every delay in reform weakens the league’s economic model.
The league has also suffered financially after launching its own direct-to-consumer platform following disputes with broadcasters, a move that has resulted in significant losses.
Governance Tensions Inside French Football
Governance instability has further complicated the situation. The senators referenced the resignation of Nicolas de Tavernost, who stepped down as head of LFP Media after just months in the role, highlighting tensions within the league and between football authorities and broadcast partners.
According to Lafon and Savin, the proposed legislation is essential to prevent “structural decline†in French professional football.
The bill would introduce several reforms, including:
- Stronger governance rules for professional leagues
- Measures to reduce conflicts of interest
- Salary caps for certain roles
- Enhanced real-time tools to combat illegal sports streaming
- Reinforced oversight of federations’ public service role
Clubs Back Immediate Action
Support for reform is growing among clubs. Seven Ligue 1 sides — including Olympique de Marseille, RC Lens, Le Havre AC, Stade Rennais, Paris FC, Olympique Lyonnais and FC Metz — have publicly backed the proposal and called on the government to prioritise the debate.
During meetings at Hôtel Matignon, club executives warned that further delays could increase financial losses, reduce competitiveness, and limit investment in players and infrastructure.
One key element of the bill would allow the creation of club corporations, similar to structures used in English football, aimed at modernising governance and improving financial transparency.
The debate also mirrors governance reforms underway in England, where the Independent Football Regulator is preparing to release a new “State of the Game†report examining football finances, wages, and ownership structures.
However, despite growing pressure from clubs and lawmakers, broader geopolitical issues — including the ongoing Israel–Hamas War — continue to dominate the political agenda in France, delaying parliamentary discussion of the reform package.
Industry stakeholders warn that without swift action, French professional football risks long-term financial and structural decline.