“Risk of downgrading”
The forum thus recalls the economic weight of professional clubs – “40,000 jobs in our country, generating a total of more than 5 billion euros”, and “more than one billion euros in tax and social contributions”. And thus warn of a “fragilized ecosystem”, particularly compared to the major European championships, mainly due to the drop in TV rights for several seasons. “TV rights now represent only 19% of the total revenue of Ligue 1 clubs, compared to 35% to 46% in other major European leagues,” write the seven leaders.
Michele Kang, Bernard Serin, and Frank McCourt are concerned about the sporting consequences of this situation, and a “risk of downgrading” of French professional football. They therefore call, through this bill proposal, to “professionalize the management of audiovisual rights and rethink the valuation strategy of our championship to the public and broadcasters.” This would involve, in particular, replacing the current Professional football League (LFP), chaired by Vincent Labrune, with a club company, “in the model of what already exists in several major European championships.” The message is passed.
(*) The seven signatories of the forum: Guillaume Cerutti, President of the Board of Directors 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 Le Havre AC; Bernard Serin, Owner and President of FC Metz
