Professional clubs ask the FFF for help to digest the cost of arbitration

Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 teams have asked the FFF for financial help to pay the costs of arbitration in France.

It is a highly sensitive theme which could even enter into the debate around the presidency of the French Football Federation: expenses linked to professional arbitration. A few weeks before the election where Philippe Diallo will be opposed to Pierre Samsonoff, the national body has been called upon to come to the aid of professional clubs.

With a view to making savings on the LFP side, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs wish to negotiate a gesture on expenses linked to French arbitration. Clearly, the representatives of the professional teams are asking the FFF to cover part of the professional arbitration budget which was currently paid by the League.

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An annual saving estimated at 10 million euros

This request could, according to information from RMC Sport, concern the next season (2025-2026) but also the season after (2026-2027). The total budget is estimated at 25 million euros, the presidents of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 wish to request a saving of 10 million euros per season. A meeting is scheduled in the coming hours concerning the progress of the economy plan at the LFP.

Some presidents surveyed by RMC Sport understand this request which came from a board of directors meeting last week. Others highlight the good health of the Federation and the payment of CVC to the FFF upon the arrival of the investment fund, amounting to around 20 million euros. The expenses linked to arbitration have been significant for several seasons, particularly with the arrival of VAR in the French championship.