French football was plunged into a terrible financial crisis in 2020 when, in the midst of the Covid pandemic, its domestic television broadcaster pulled out of the contract. With revenues from TV rights subsequently collapsing, the professional game in France is still suffering. Matt Spiro explains exactly what happened, and with the aid of guests Andy Scott and Jonathan Johnson, examines the bold intiative seized by the French league to take matters into its own hands: Ligue 1 is now the first major European league to have its own in-house television channel, Ligue 1+, rather than selling its rights to a traditional broadcaster or streaming service. How is the project going? Is this a model that the other European leagues will soon adopt as well? And where does it leaves the French clubs financially?

After trying their best to answer those HUGE questions, Matt, Andy and JJ cast their expert eyes over the Round 21 action in Ligue 1, as PSG humiliate Marseille, Lens make it ten straight home wins, and Lyon triumph for a 12th successive game, despite the sending off of Endrick.

Available on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheFrenchFootballShow