the huge financial hole that is looming for the FFF

It's an evening that will cost the French Football Federation dearly. As the Team explains in today's edition, the latter will suffer heavy financial damage with the France-Israel match scheduled for this Thursday at the Stade de France. In a tense context, only 15,000 people will attend this meeting, far from the venue's capacity of 78,000. This low occupancy rate leads to a significant loss, with box office receipts being ten times lower than usual, while around 60,000 spectators would be needed to cover the fixed costs.

A cost of 3.5 million euros

Normally, revenues generated at the stadium range between 3 and 4 million euros, excluding TV rights. At the same time, the charges are particularly high for this match due to the reinforced security measures. The FFF mobilizes 2,500 stewards compared to less than 2,000 usually. Since Monday, strict measures have been introduced: expanded perimeter, increased control of tickets and identities, ban on backpacks, and rigorous verification of deliveries. These precautions, deemed “responsible”, increase operational costs. The overall cost of the event is estimated at 3.5 million euros. The FFF, in parallel with this complicated evening, also hopes to downwardly renegotiate its agreement with the Stade de France, which expires in 2025. Without a favorable agreement, it plans to move its matches elsewhere.

Everything therefore pushes towards a heavy context around this France – Israel. As a reminder, the meeting will be held under unprecedented security due to the tense international context and recent violent incidents in Amsterdam. An exceptional system of 4,000 police officers and gendarmes was deployed, with a double security perimeter including searches, pat-downs and identity checks. The elite of the BRI and the Raid will secure the travel of the Israeli team. These forces will be supported by 1,600 private agents, a number well above the average. Only French and Israeli flags will be allowed, while businesses around the stadium will close in the afternoon. Emmanuel Macron and other political figures will also be present to highlight the fight against anti-Semitism.

Also read

France – Israel: what you need to know about the impressive security system at the Stade de France

France – Israel: a terrible attendance record is emerging

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