INTERVIEW
Failing to stand out on the field, French football makes the show behind the scenes. Last episode to date: the transition to a League 2 to 22 clubs for the next season, validated Wednesday by the Pro Football League (LFP). But the FFF (French Football Federation) has yet to ratify this decision, while its powerful boss Noël Le Gräet is a fervent supporter of the climbs and relegations at all levels, and could therefore relocate this choice.
Our consultant Alain Roche pointed out that the "Pro Football League" (LFP, which brings together the clubs of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2) is "too low" and called for major changes in the mode of governance. "We feel a League (LFP) too weak, we would like it to be stronger to make important decisions for French football. We must review all this mode of governance, which is not simple," argued the former midfielder of PSG and the Blues, Thursday on Europe 1.
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"We have the impression that it is Noël Le Graët who decides everything"
Alain Roche notably asked the LFP to gain more weight against the French Football Federation. "The weight of the Federation is very important on the professional world. I would like the League to emancipate from the Federation, but it is not possible with the cacophony of the moment. We have the impression that it is Christmas Le Graët who decides everything ", judged our consultant.
The powerful president of the FFF has never hidden his desire to maintain ascents and descents in all championships, including professional. "Noël Le Graët must have had a headache. But I do not see the Federation changing what it has done with the amateur world, with ups and downs. It would question the decisions of Noël Le Graët, I do not not see him do that, "continued Alain Roche.
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If Ligue 2 goes to 22 clubs, "there will be recourse from everyone amateur"
The transition from a Ligue 2 to 22 clubs could indeed set a precedent. Amiens and Toulouse, the last two of Ligue 1 who were relegated to the lower floor, could then be tempted to file appeals. "It will create tensions," says Alain Roche. If Noël Le Graët validates the LFP's decision, "there will be appeals from everyone who is amateur. We cannot have a Ligue 2 with 22 clubs and a Ligue 1 with 20 clubs, that seems impossible to me."
"Le Graët has already put a part of the amateur world on its back. To discuss with people from the amateur world, many are not satisfied with what happened (ups and downs in all divisions). situation is quite complex for him, "concluded the former PSG player.