A measure that could delight many football fans is under review. After several delays, the National Assembly examined on Monday a proposed law aimed at reforming French football. Among the amendments debated is a requirement to broadcast one Ligue 1 match for free on television every week.
This provision is being studied in public session this Monday. The lawmakers behind the amendment argue that “the multiplication of broadcasters for different sports competitions, and thus the multiplication of paid subscriptions, strongly distances spectators from sporting events and encourages the development of piracy.”
A disputed provision
However, the proposal has drawn strong opposition from professional leagues and several sports stakeholders. In a joint statement issued 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 denounced a system that “is not neutral.”
The text is still far from final adoption. It may be modified after the debates at the National Assembly, before being examined in a joint committee on July 21. Beyond the issue of free broadcast, the proposed law also addresses anti-piracy measures, strengthening the role of federations and the Ministry of Sports in governing professional leagues, redistributing audiovisual revenues, and capping executive compensation.
