French lawmakers are set to deliberate a pivotal proposal aimed at reshaping professional football in the country. At the heart of the discussions lies a contentious amendment advocating for the weekly broadcast of at least one Ligue 1 match on free-to-air television. The move, championed by parliamentarians, seeks to democratize access to top-tier French football while curbing the rampant issue of illegal streaming.
Parliamentary push for greater football accessibility
The Assemblée nationale is scheduled to review the draft law on Monday, with the amendment on free-to-air Ligue 1 broadcasts drawing significant attention. Currently, Ligue 1 matches are exclusively available through the Ligue 1+ platform, which requires a minimum monthly subscription of €15. Proponents argue that restricting access to paid platforms alienates a substantial portion of potential viewers and inadvertently fuels the underground streaming market.
Lawmakers behind the initiative point to a 2021 parliamentary report led by Cédric Roussel, which highlighted the disparity between the 22 million French football enthusiasts and the mere one million subscribers to Ligue 1+. They contend that a single free-to-air match per week could substantially broaden the league’s audience and foster a deeper connection between fans and the sport.
Economic concerns overshadow reform benefits
Despite the apparent advantages, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has voiced strong opposition to the amendment. The governing body warns that free-to-air broadcasts could erode the commercial value of television rights, which account for over half of professional clubs’ revenue streams. The LFP has engaged in intensive negotiations with broadcasters and legislators ahead of the parliamentary debate, emphasizing the financial risks associated with the proposed change.
Broader reforms on the legislative table
The current proposal extends beyond broadcasting rights. It includes measures to combat piracy, enhance the role of sports federations and the Ministry of Sports in professional league governance, redistribute audiovisual revenues, and cap executive compensation within clubs. Having already cleared the Senate and a preliminary vote in the National Assembly, the bill is poised for further amendments during the upcoming plenary session. A joint conciliation committee is slated to convene on July 21 to finalize the text.