A proposal that could delight many football fans is currently under review. After several delays, the National Assembly examined this Monday a bill aimed at reforming French football. Among the amendments debated is a requirement to broadcast one Ligue 1 match per week free of charge on television.
This provision is being discussed in a public session today. The lawmakers behind the amendment argue that “the multiplication of broadcasters for various sports competitions, and thus the proliferation of paid subscriptions, strongly distances spectators from sporting events and encourages the growth of piracy.”
A controversial provision
However, the proposal faces strong opposition from professional leagues and several sports stakeholders. In a joint statement published on June 25, they argue that such a measure “would mechanically reduce the value of rights, at a time when French sport must diversify its resources and strengthen its funding.” In an opinion piece, 22 presidents of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs also denounce a provision that “is not neutral.”
The text is far from being definitively adopted. It may be amended following debates in the National Assembly, before being examined by a joint committee on July 21. Beyond the issue of free broadcasts, the bill also addresses anti-piracy measures, strengthening the role of federations and the Ministry of Sports in the governance of professional leagues, redistribution of audiovisual revenues, and capping executive compensation.
