Jacques-Henri Eyraud’s revolutionary proposals to save Ligue 1 : A game-changing plan for French football

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through French football, former Olympique Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud has unveiled a radical plan to revitalize Ligue 1. The proposal, which draws inspiration from American sports leagues, aims to address the financial struggles and competitive imbalances that have plagued France’s top-flight football division in recent years.

In Short

A new elite league structure

At the heart of Eyraud’s vision is a dramatic restructuring of Ligue 1. The former Disney executive advocates for a reduction in the number of teams, proposing a 16-club “elite league” that would operate under a licensing system. This streamlined format is designed to concentrate talent and resources, potentially elevating the overall quality of play and marketability of the league.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this new structure is the allocation of two licenses to Parisian clubs. Eyraud argues that local rivalries are crucial for fan engagement, and having two top-tier teams in the capital could ignite passionate derbies reminiscent of those seen in other major European cities. This move could potentially create a dynamic similar to the Milan or Rome derbies, which have become iconic fixtures in Italian football.

The proposed licensing system would be based on objective criteria, ensuring that only clubs meeting specific standards could participate in the elite league. This approach aims to promote financial stability and professional management across the board, addressing some of the issues that have led to the recent concerns over broadcast deals and financial stability in Ligue 1.

Financial innovations to level the playing field

Eyraud’s plan includes several financial mechanisms designed to create a more equitable and sustainable league. One of the most significant proposals is the equal distribution of domestic TV rights among all participating clubs. This approach contrasts sharply with the current system, which has been a source of contention and has contributed to the widening gap between the haves and have-nots in French football.

To secure a license in this new elite league, clubs would be required to pay a substantial fee, with Eyraud suggesting a figure of €50 million. This would generate a considerable sum – €800 million if all 16 slots were filled – part of which would be redirected to the French Football Federation (FFF) and grassroots football. This redistribution model aims to ensure that the entire football pyramid benefits from the success of the top tier.

Furthermore, Eyraud proposes a unique twist on the transfer of licenses: if a club decides to sell its license, a percentage of the sale would be reinvested in the league system. This innovative approach could create a new revenue stream for French football while incentivizing long-term investment in clubs.

Salary regulations and competitive balance

In an effort to maintain financial stability and competitive balance, Eyraud’s plan includes the implementation of a salary cap. This concept, which has been discussed in European football circles for years, would be tailored to each club’s financial situation. The proposed system would also include a minimum salary requirement, ensuring that clubs invest a certain amount in player wages to maintain competitiveness.

These measures are designed to prevent the kind of financial mismanagement that has led to crises in French football, such as the ongoing TV rights disputes that have required mediation efforts from influential figures like Jean-Michel Aulas. By regulating player salaries, Eyraud’s plan aims to create a more sustainable economic model for Ligue 1 clubs.

Playoffs: adding excitement to the title race

Perhaps the most dramatic departure from tradition in Eyraud’s proposal is the introduction of playoffs to determine the league champion. This system, inspired by American sports leagues like the NBA, would see the top four to eight teams compete in a playoff tournament at the end of the regular season. The playoff matches would not only add an extra layer of excitement to the league but could also generate additional revenue through increased viewership and ticket sales.

Under this model, the top four positions in the regular season standings would still determine qualification for European competitions, maintaining the importance of consistent performance throughout the year. However, the league title itself would be decided through the playoff system, potentially allowing for more teams to remain in contention until the final stages of the season.

This playoff structure could revolutionize the way fans and bettors engage with Ligue 1, creating new opportunities for dramatic turnarounds and underdog stories. It’s a change that could significantly alter the dynamics of French football, potentially making it more attractive to international audiences and investors.

Implications for French football’s future

Jacques-Henri Eyraud’s proposals represent a radical reimagining of Ligue 1, drawing on successful elements from American sports leagues while addressing the specific challenges facing French football. While these ideas are likely to face significant scrutiny and debate, they offer a bold vision for a more competitive, financially stable, and globally appealing French top flight.

The success of such a transformation would depend on careful implementation and buy-in from various stakeholders, including clubs, players, fans, and broadcasters. However, with Ligue 1 facing ongoing financial challenges and struggling to compete with Europe’s other top leagues, Eyraud’s plan provides a starting point for serious discussions about the future of French football.

As the football world digests these proposals, it’s clear that the conversation around league structures and financial models in European football is far from over. Whether or not Eyraud’s specific vision comes to fruition, his ideas have undoubtedly added fuel to the ongoing debate about how to ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of national leagues in an increasingly globalized sport.