“We need a different profile at the head of the League,” says Cyril Linette, who wants to run for the presidency of the LFP.

The former sports editor of Canal+, invited on franceinfo on Wednesday, presented his vision of French football, in great difficulty with the reduction in television rights.

“We need a different profile at the head of the League”that of a “manager who is used to controlling costs, revenues and product”, says Cyril Linette, who wants to run for president of the Professional Football League (LFP). The former sports editor at Canal + (2008-2015), general director of The Team (2015-2018) then PMU (2018-2021) offers a “reconquest plan which involves starting from scratch“He has not yet gathered the necessary sponsorships to run in the election which will take place on September 10.

“French football is living beyond its means”says Cyril Linette, who wants to lower players’ salaries by 30% and reduce the number of contracts in clubs. “Given the economic difficulties of the clubs, it is important to set much stricter management criteria”which does not prevent “build a product that is completely attractive and likeable”he says. If French football “can’t afford big players”it is possible to “build a quality Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 in a different way”he says.

French football, “in difficulty” due to the drop in TV rights, “lack of vision on this subject”estimates Cyril Linette, who indicates that Ligue 1 has changed broadcasters four times in six years. This season’s call for tenders was won by the British streaming platform DAZN. The monthly subscription, starting at 29.99 euros, that it offers is considered too expensive by many viewers who turn to illegal streaming.

According to Cyril Linette, it would be necessary “help” this diffuser to “adjust its commercial policy” for him to propose “more accessible commercial offers”. THE “acceptable rate in France” for an individual who wants to watch Ligue 1 matches on television is “between 15 and 20 euros“, believes the former sports editor of Canal +.

To develop a “more balanced relationship with broadcasters”of which she is “too dependent”the LFP must make Ligue 1 a “better product” according to Cyril Linette. To do this, it is necessary “working on the relationship with our supporters, our image and our TV coverage”. “I am not an expert in sports rights or a politician, but a manager”he emphasizes. “Any manager who came to the helm of French professional football would say that we have a problem with losses, with relations with our broadcasters and with the product.”summarizes Cyril Linette who proposes a “reconquest plan which involves starting from scratch.”

Cyril Linette must obtain the sponsorship of the Union des acteurs du football (which includes the players’ union (UNFP), the coaches’ union (Unecatef), doctors, sports administrators and referees) and Foot Unis, the single union of professional clubs. Without these two sponsorships, he cannot run in the election of the president of the LFP, which will take place on September 10. This obligation applies to all candidates.