A measure that could delight many fans is being debated in the French National Assembly this Monday. After several postponements, lawmakers are examining a bill aimed at reforming French football. Among the amendments under discussion is a requirement to broadcast one Ligue 1 match per week on free television.
This provision is being studied in public session today. The deputies 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 growth of piracy.”
A contested plan
However, the proposal faces strong opposition from professional leagues and several sports stakeholders. In a joint statement issued on June 25, they contend that such a measure “would mechanically reduce the value of rights, at a time when French sport must diversify its resources and strengthen its financing.” In an opinion piece, 22 presidents of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs also denounce a plan that they say “is not neutral.”
The text is still far from being definitively adopted. It may be modified after the debates in the National Assembly, before being examined in 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 governing professional leagues, redistribution of audiovisual revenues, and capping executive compensation.
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