In the ambient cacophony around the subject of TV rights, we heard some actors a lot, such as Vincent Labrune, Joseph Oughourlian or John Textor. But nothing had yet come from PSG, while its President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi is for some at the heart of the problem, due to his cap of beIN Sports pattern. It is for others a solution to the financial ills of French professional football. Will he want to explain himself soon, with a restful head, when he was heard vociferating against Textor and Oughourlian during the Board of Directors of the LFM on July 14th?
In the meantime, it was the director general of PSG Victoriano Melero who spoke in the columns of Figaroto return to the recent upheavals of French football. “What we live today, the speeches of a minority of clubs against PSG, the hegemony of PSG and the position of our president, it reminds me of what was going on in the early 2000s with Jean-Michel Aulas. We also brocade his hegemony. The big difference is that it remained between us. The meetings were at least also stormy, with the elite clubs led by Jean-Michel Aulas facing medium and small clubs. It is already a difference, because, when Nasser Al-Khelaïfi speaks, he defends the interests of PSG, but in a vision of the general interest ”he started by declaring.
PSG believes in Dazn
Although PSG is not affected by cash problems, it ensures its support for French clubs in need, and even at risk. “There is a clear immediate issue: the cash problem for certain clubs. There is a meeting on Monday. We left at 18, we must arrive at 18. Afterwards, everyone has their challenges. There are discussions, mediation between Dazn and LFP. Again, it is in the interest of all parts to go out from above. We will see what agreement will be reached to get out of this crisis, and also rework the issues of governance within French football. It is often in more difficult times that we find the best solutions and new opportunities. Dialogue and solidarity are the keys to overcome this transition ”. Except that this has not been the case for several months, if we are based on the minutes of meetings between the various presidents of L1.
Melero takes the opportunity to remind you that the current system is not necessarily the most favorable to PSG. “PSG could play it individual. Economically, it would serve us, but sportingly and for the development of all, we need a strong championship. If PSG performed today, it is because there is a collective. It must be exactly the same with the unity of French clubs ”. But then what is the solution carried by Melero and more generally by PSG? That of unfailing support for current broadcasters, thanks to a solidarity of all clubs. “Today, we must keep: we have two diffusers, Dazn and Bein. There have certainly been mistakes made on both sides, but you have to move forward, stop this bashing football, this Dazn Bashing and PSG Bashing. It is essential to get out of this spiral of permanent criticisms against French football, Dazn and PSG. »»
Melero therefore does not believe in another outcome, such as the creation of a chain held by the LFP or a hypothetical return of Canal+. “It is surprising to hear certain statements today, especially when you remember the criticism of Canal+ when you wanted to attract new broadcasters. In any case, it does not seem to me that Canal+ opened the door. It looks like a call for help. There were also with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi during certain episodes… ”he explains elsewhere. So this is for the real official first outing of a PSG member on the subject of TV rights. The desire for appeasement is clear, but what will be if the deal with Dazn ends earlier than expected?
