‘The situation is critical’ – Lille president Olivier Létang calls for rapid change amid Premier League model debates | OneFootball

French football is on the precipice of a radical transformation after the French Football Federation (FFF) called on the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) to be scrapped in favour of a Premier League-inspired governance structure.

In effect, moving away from a president who is elected and holds executive power and towards a CEO who reports directly to the clubs, and can be hired and fired at will. This is an attempt to make the governance of the league more forward-thinking amid the current financial crisis.

As Olivier Létang, Lille OSC president and a member of the FFF’s committee to rethink French football, explained to L’Équipe, “There is an emergency situation, so change was necessary. But this may take time, as it will obviously depend on the political agenda. In the meantime, we must find solutions to develop the revenue necessary for the competitiveness of French clubs, and even the survival of some clubs.”

Létang continues, “The situation is critical, and therefore it’s a tremendous opportunity to review the existing model.” He also adds, “The obvious thing is that we need to move forward and have an ambitious and entrepreneurial vision… All difficult times are opportunities to change and have the courage to make the right decisions. Let’s look ahead and work on building a highly professional structure, managed with great skill. Let’s move forward, but let’s move forward quickly.”

Premier League model to go before the French Senate

The FFF have already begun developing the legal foundations to this reformation, and will put their arguments before the French Senate in June. If this succeeds, in the Autumn, they will have the chance to put their bill before the National Assembly for final approval.

GFFN | Nick Hartland