Ligue 1: Clubs reject broadcasting rights and accuse the League of favoring PSG
Marseille and Lens owners denounce unfair distribution of broadcasting rights, claiming PSG’s dominance is reinforced by the League’s governance.
French clubs revolt against TV rights
The dispute over Ligue 1’s broadcasting rights has escalated after several clubs, including Olympique de Marseille and Lens, openly criticized the Professional Football League (LFP). According to them, the current system heavily favors Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League winner and domestic powerhouse since its takeover by Qatari investors in 2011.
Franck McCourt (OM) and Joseph Oughourlian (Lens) argue that the league’s financial model has created a structural imbalance that makes it nearly impossible for other teams to compete on equal terms.
“We were promised certain financial levels for broadcasting rights and built our plans based on those promises,” McCourt told Le Figaro.
Lens and Marseille sound the alarm
Oughourlian went further, stressing that French clubs outside the Champions League are suffering huge losses.
“Clubs that don’t compete internationally have lost between 25% and 50% of their revenue. This forces us to sell our best players just to survive,” said the Lens owner.
Both directors accuse the LFP, led by Vincent Labrune, of lacking transparency and accountability in managing the TV rights market.
“PSG is favored by the system”
For the owners of Marseille and Lens, the distribution of money prioritizes PSG, widening the gap in French football.
“You need two teams to play football. The current system favors those who already have plenty. We need balance to create a truly global product,” Oughourlian stated.
McCourt reinforced the criticism, noting his good personal relationship with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi but questioning the League’s dependence on Paris’ success.
“For him, if PSG is doing well, then the League is doing well. We have a very different vision,” McCourt said.
The risk for Ligue 1
Despite the controversy, both owners agree that French football has potential to become one of the best leagues in the world, but without structural reform in TV revenue distribution, PSG’s dominance will likely remain unchallenged.
