The TV rights saga has allowed observers to see more clearly the relations between Ligue 1 presidents. And today, we can easily say that it is not love at first sight between Parisian Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and Lyonnais John Textor. Rather discreet since his arrival in France, the boss of the Gones no longer hesitates to criticize his counterpart from the Paris region when he has the opportunity. This is what he did during the last meeting concerning the TV rights of L1.
But that’s not all. Very present in Brazil due to his qualities as boss of Botafogo, Textor was asked about the different aspects that he thinks should be changed in the Brazilian Serie A. The American once again mentioned the problem of rigged matches (according to him) or the need to establish a salary cap in order to avoid the undivided domination of one or more clubs. A subject that he illustrated by evoking, in comments relayed by Globe Sportshis battle against QSI’s PSG.
“I hope we kick their ass”
“We have to compete with Qatar (PSG) in France. I am competing with a country, not an owner. A model of unbridled spending, without restrictions. As long as they can generate enough revenue, and they can do that through the relationship with Qatar and the sponsors, they can use the revenue exactly where they need it, to spend. They can then use the revenue exactly where they need it, to spend what they want because they want to win the UEFA Champions League.”he said, before continuing.
“As the owner of one of the biggest French clubs, which was champion of France seven times in a row between 2001 and 2008, I have to face this competition. Today, this club, the great Olympique Lyonnais, can only claim second place. We will give our best, I hope we will kick their ass and that they will have a bad year. But all they have to do is reach into their pockets, give up a little oil money and it’s over.“, concluded the Lyon president who has already released around €115 million for the start of the Lyon transfer window.
