July 14, 2024 will remain a separate date for French football. On that day, the presidents of Ligue 1, united in videoconference, acted in the turmoil the choice of Dazn and BeIN Sports broadcasters. But behind this technical decision is hidden a Unprecedented chaosrevealed by the exclusive transcripts of the exchanges obtained by
The team. In the center of tensions: Nasser al-Khelaïfipresident of PSG and boss of Bein, accused of conflicts of interest and authoritarian methods.
“You will be held responsible”: the charge of al-Khelaïfi
The most powerful man in French football has not mince his words. Intervening in English and French, he castigated the attitude of the LFP, which he judges “Negative” And
“Destructive”. “I fight for my club, for the League, for my colleagues. But what you do is unacceptable “he launches against Benjamin Morel, then managing director of the LFP. An exit perceived as a barely veiled threat, fueling the accusations of “Tyrannia”.
Oughourlian vs al-khelaïfi: the duel at the top
Joseph Oughourlian, president of Lens, did not fear to face the Parisian giant. “Nasser, I thank you for worrying about the little clubs … what generosity!” »»he quips, before denouncing a beIND offer deemed “Incompatible” with that of Dazn. Al-Khelaïfi's response:
“If you are the best expert, put your money on the table!” »». An exchange summarizing the gap between the “small” clubs and the PSG, accused of crushing the debates.
The fear of a new financial fiasco hovers. John Textor, owner of OL, openly compares Dazn to Mediapp, whose bankruptcy in 2020 plunged Ligue 1 into chaos.
“We cannot take the risk of reliving this”he insists, while Jean-Pierre Caillot (Reims) protests against “Tender calls” and promises “Unrealistic”.
The explosive accusations of Textor.
Language, money, power: fractures of a league in crisis
The divisions transcend sports cleavages. Damien Comolli (Toulouse), speaking in English, is rebuilt by Caillot:
“We speak French at the LFP!” »». An incident symbolizing cultural and economic tensions. While Marc Keller (Strasbourg) worries about “Inaccessible prices” For supporters, Vincent Labrune tries to calm the game, welcoming Bein's offer while admitting his “Incompatibilities” With Dazn.
Despite the cries and threats, a precarious agreement emerges: 700 million euros annually, including 500 million Dazn and 100 million bein. But at what price? “We save the furniture”loose Caillot, lucid. For Jean-Pierre Rivère (Nice), this agreement “Secure the present” without guaranteeing the future.
A tatter democracy
If the LFP ensures that “All decisions are made in consultation”transcripts reveal a less glorious reality: pressures, intimidation, and a
PSG perceived as a sprawling empire. While French football is trying to get up, this meeting will remain as the symbol of an exploded governance … and a war of power where words sometimes worth blows.
