French Football Federation loses €24 million due to Covid

The French Football Federation (FFF) has suffered a loss of about €24 million since the summer as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, its director-general Florence Hardouin told AFP on Friday.

Hardouin said the World Cup holders' federation hoped to recoup some of the losses if, as hoped, spectators are allowed back into matches early next year.

“Since July 1, we’ve lost about €24 million. I don’t think that will worsen further due to Covid because there is hope that stadiums can fill up again in March,” she said.

Hardouin also warned of a need to juggle “the other uncertainty” surrounding the deepening conflict between the Football Professional League (LFP) and Spanish broadcasters Mediapro over the payment of television rights.

In 2018, Mediapro won 80 per cent of the TV rights for the French top-flight, Ligue 1, in a deal costing €780 million per year between 2020-2024.

After settling its first instalment, the group have refused to pay the €172 million owed in October, demanding the price be lowered due to the pandemic.