League 2 is expected to drop from 20 to 18 clubs next season. The National Football League should vote for this reform this Thursday afternoon, a few months after having already decided to go from 20 to 18 clubs in Ligue 1. The project is to lose four of the forty clubs in the top two divisions of French football.
Less matches and more TV rights
The goal of this reform is first of all to lighten the schedule of league 1. But it is also a question of TV rights. If there are only 18 clubs, each club will receive more from the broadcasters of the two championships. It is true that pro clubs are suffering financially at the moment. Most clubs are in favor of this reform. The biggest in truth, because the smallest like Pau FC see mainly disadvantages although it is planned that a professional league 3 will replace the current national championship.
A complicated maintenance
The next two seasons promise to be very tough for those who play maintenance. From the 2022/2023 season, there could be four runs to absorb the four descents of Ligue 1 and still allow two climbs. These modalities remain to be specified, but this prospect, of course, which does not suit Pau FC. Joël Lopez, vice-president of Pau FC announces on France Bleu Béarn that the club will vote against. Pau is the smallest budget in this league 2 and its main ambition is to stay in this division. Joël Lopez who adds that this reform will weaken the network of the territory. There are only two League 2 clubs in all of New Aquitaine. “The licensees need a locomotive”. It also reduces the job market for professional players. The union of pro players will vote against this reform. But all this does not make a majority.