French professional football is going through a period of turbulence, and Senators Michel Savin (LR) and Laurent Lafon (Centrist Union) believe the time has come to take matters into their own hands. Their bill, presented this week to the Senate, aims to "reorganize and better regulate professional sport." In reality, it is mainly football – and in particular the Professional Football League (LFP) – that finds itself in the hot seat. And in its crosshairs: piracy.
Piracy in the Senate's crosshairs
The subject is a burning issue. Since DAZN, the main broadcaster of Ligue 1, suspended a €35 million payment at the end of January, tensions have been running high. The cause: the increasingly widespread piracy of matches, which is hampering revenue and demotivating broadcasters. DAZN, which is struggling to exceed 500,000 subscribers, accuses the LFP of a lack of concrete action against these practices.
The senators want to respond head-on to this criticism. Their text creates a "sports piracy offense," focusing on illegal broadcasters and those who help them reach the general public: IPTV box sellers, software developers, or influencers promoting these services. The penalties range up to 3 years in prison and a fine of 300,000 euros. Even advertising in favor of piracy could cost a year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros.
Another key measure: a faster and more efficient automatic blocking system for illegal sites. Inspired by British and Italian models, it would bypass traditional procedures. "Arcom has a role, but it can't do everything alone," acknowledged Michel Savin. A new, more responsive tool would therefore be put in place, even if its funding remains to be determined.
Beyond piracy, the senators also want to review the balance of power in professional football. The text proposes giving back control to the French Football Federation (FFF) on several strategic issues: the redistribution of revenue, the operation of LFP Media, and even – in the event of a major problem – the possibility of dissolving the League and taking over its assets.
Vincent Labrune, the president of the LFP, is not named, but he is clearly targeted. The bill seeks to cap executive salaries at €450,000, well below what he currently earns. And to avoid conflicts of interest, the text also prohibits holding multiple positions in a league and a television broadcasting company. A rule that directly puts Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of PSG and BeIN Sports, in a delicate position.
The text will be examined by the Senate starting in May. If adopted, it could change quite a few things. But for pirates to truly feel the wind change, the resources will have to follow.
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