30 August 2024 - 11:05 AM
Photo
IMAGO | Fabian Ruiz of Paris Saint-Germain making a tackle during the French Cup Final between Paris Saint Germain and Olympique Lyon.
Is Ligue 1 Europe’s sick man or a resilient underdog?: A league at the crossroads of growth and decline
- French football is caught in another financial storm, with broadcast revenues plummeting and clubs grappling with economic challenges, yet Ligue 1 has been Europe's fastest-growing league.
- Despite a decline in domestic broadcast deals and reliance on player sales, Ligue 1 clubs have shown resilience, maintaining significant growth rates and strong stadium attendances.
- Why it matters: While facing substantial losses and financial hurdles, French football's infrastructure investments and revenue generation outside broadcast deals hint at a more complex and nuanced growth trajectory.
- The perspective: The dominance of Paris Saint-Germain and relative lack of financial controls continue to skew Ligue 1's economic landscape, raising questions about the league's future stability and competitiveness.
Two games into the new season, the off pitch soap opera of French football keeps on giving. Broadcast trucks vandalised, a Ligue 2 match interrupted by protests, outrage at high subscription, international broadcasts of Ligue 1 matches suspended amidst fears of piracy, all against the backdrop of a TV deal that sees revenues shrink to levels not seen in nearly a decade.
Much of this was foretold tw
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