The shareholders of Clermont Foot 63 share generous dividends despite relegation to Ligue 2. A situation which is causing more and more concern behind the scenes. Discover the underside of this financial paradox in our article.
At the end of 2024, the shareholders of Clermont Foot 63 are meeting for their annual meeting in a contrasting climate. If the accounts of the Auvergne club display brilliant health, the sporting results are far from following the same trend. A paradox which raises more and more questions internally.
Record dividends despite relegation
While the club has just experienced relegation to Ligue 2, shareholders are being rewarded with substantial dividends. A situation made possible by the agreement between the Professional Football League (LFP) and the CVC investment fund. Of the 33 million euros planned, Clermont Foot 63 has already received 16.5 million euros, bringing the total profit to more than 19 million euros before taxes for the 2022-2023 season.
A financial jackpot that contrasts with sporting results
If the shareholders rub their hands, the situation is very different on the sporting level. The club continued its poor performances throughout the season, leading to relegation to Ligue 2. A terrible blow for supporters and players, which contrasts sharply with the financial euphoria of the leaders.
It’s a bit complicated to live with. We have the impression that priorities are not necessarily where they should be.
– A close friend of the club on condition of anonymity
Increasingly pressing questions internally
This dichotomy between economic success and sporting failure does not fail to raise questions among club employees and observers. Many wonder about the relevance of such a dividend distribution in such a delicate sporting context.
Voices are being raised to demand a massive reinvestment of these funds in the sports sector in order to rebuild a competitive team and aim for a rapid return to Ligue 1. A request that has so far remained a dead letter, with shareholders preferring for the moment to savor their financial jackpot.
Clermont Foot 63, a special case in France
The situation of the Auvergne club appears all the more singular as it contrasts with the serious economic difficulties encountered by many other French professional clubs. While some are fighting for their survival, Clermont Foot 63 is reaping record profits.
An exception which will not fail to fuel the debates during the shareholders’ meeting. Between the desire to take advantage of the financial windfall and the need to redress the sporting bar, the club finds itself at a crossroads. The next few months promise to be decisive for its future.
Towards a rebalancing of priorities?
Faced with the growing internal rumble, the leaders of Clermont Foot 63 could be tempted to review their priorities. A rebalancing in favor of the sporting aspect seems essential to ease tensions and relaunch a positive dynamic.
This will necessarily happen through significant investments in recruitment and infrastructure. A strategic shift which could prove saving in the medium term, even if it involves temporarily giving up part of the juicy dividends.
The next few weeks promise to be crucial for the future of Clermont Foot 63. Between financial imperatives and sporting ambition, the club will have to decide. A decisive choice which will be closely scrutinized by all of French football, as it appears symptomatic of the challenges awaiting many professional clubs in an increasingly complex economic context.
