John Textor, president of Olympique Lyonnais, has once again shaken the French football ecosystem by targeting Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, whom he accuses of conflicts of interest and authoritarianism within Ligue 1. In an interview with the team, the US leader denounces governance “Degraded” And pleads for a radical reform, believing that the president of PSG, also at the head of BeIN Sports, dominates the league in a “Counterproductive”.
Textor denounces the influence of Al-Khelaïfi
Textor does not go there by four paths: “All conflicts of interest must be disclosed”he asserts, explicitly targeting al-Khelaïfi. According to him, the double cap of Qataris – between PSG and beIN Sports – false debates, in particular on the allocation of television rights. “The governance of our league must change immediately. The Premier League is an example to follow ”he insists, demanding a representation of all the clubs from the Board of Directors of the LFP. A system currently locked by seven representatives of L1 and two of L2, facilitating according to him the influence of a “Small group”
Around Al-Khelaïfi.
Labrune also takes it for its grade from Textor.
Labrune, a leader “without courage”
Textor extends his criticism to Vincent Labrune, president of the LFP, whom he judges “Devoid of courage” Faced with Al-Khelaïfi. “He abandoned his leadership too easily”, He regrets, evoking the meeting of July 14, 2024 where Labrune would have given in to the pressures of the boss of PSG. Although grateful to his sometimes provocative remarks – as well as the use of the term “Doggie” -, Textor assumes his observation: “We have missed the opportunity to evolve. »»
Dazn and the urgency to rethink the economic model
Another theme covered: the partnership with Dazn, at the heart of recent tensions. Textor defends the diffuser, calling for “Respect” this partner and to improve the offer to attract subscribers. “The rumors that I am trying to explode the league are absurd. I just want to bring disruptive ideas to develop our model ”,
he explains, rejecting any will of chaos.
The omerta of club presidents: career before collective interest?
Finally, Textor deplores the lack of solidarity among his peers.
“Why don't they denounce PSG subsidies while attacking OL?” “, he questions, pointing to the influence of al-Khelaïfi on presidents “Who prefer to collaborate with him for their careers”. According to him, Qataris “holds the currency of political appointments” at the ECA, discouraging any rebellion.
In short, the American businessman poses as a necessary provocative, ready to shake up the codes to modernize a Ligue 1 which he judges “dominated by a single man”. Between appeal to transparency and acerbic criticism of the system, his speech may continue to make waves …
