This is an alarming constant from the media management of the Professional Football League (LFP). While Ligue 1 hoped to bounce back with the arrival of DAZN as its main broadcaster, a massive phenomenon threatens its economic model: piracy.
This Thursday The Team reveals figures taken from a study by the Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication (ARCOM). During the last Classic between Olympique de Marseille and Paris SG, more than one in two viewers watched the match illegally (55%). In total, 37% of Ligue 1 spectators now consume matches via pirate streams, a percentage which has exploded since the start of the season.
Piracy is growing and not everyone is aware of it
ARCOM may multiply its attempts of force – such as blocking 340 domain names before the match – but nothing works. Platforms like Telegram, social networks and various websites continue to offer illegal broadcasts.
Even more worrying: 59% of pirate viewers think they are acting legally, convinced that their practices do not constitute theft. For the Professional Football League, an entire ecosystem is under threat, with potentially catastrophic financial losses.
A legal and technological fight is coming to save the TV rights of French football.
