Free Ligue 1 on television? French parliament debates mandatory free broadcast
The French parliament will examine a bill on Monday that would require TV broadcasters to air one Ligue 1 match for free each week. The amendment is part of a broader law to reform French football, but faces fierce resistance from professional leagues and club boards.
Amendment aims to satisfy supporters
One Ligue 1 match free on television every week — that's what a group of French parliamentarians is pushing for. During Monday's public session in the Assemblée nationale, an amendment will be debated that would require TV broadcasters to offer one match from France's top football league free of charge each week. The sponsors argue that the explosive growth of pay-TV channels and streaming services is pushing supporters further away from football and fueling piracy.
Clubs and leagues oppose strongly
Professional leagues and various sports stakeholders already raised the alarm jointly on June 25th. In a joint statement, they warned that such a measure would 'automatically devalue media rights at a time when the French sports landscape must diversify its income and strengthen its financing'. Twenty-two club presidents from Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 backed their position, calling the proposal anything but 'neutral'.
Long road to final vote
A final decision is still far off. Following debates in the Assemblée nationale, the text can still be amended before a mixed joint commission examines the proposal further on July 21st. The broader law goes beyond the question of free broadcast rights: combating piracy, a greater role for sports federations and the Sports Ministry in running professional competitions, the redistribution of audiovisual revenues, and a cap on executive salaries are also on the agenda.
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Source: Via Sports.fr (GNews)
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