Football. Racing Club de Strasbourg: the Minister of Sports wants multiproperty to be regulated at the European level

On Thursday, the world of French football will have its eyes fixed on the Meinau stadium for the return leg of the Conference League semi-final against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano. The Minister of Sports, Youth, and Community Life, who has been in office since last October, will be among the Racing supporters.

“It was important for me to come, especially since Thursday will see a very important match played here, it’s time to encourage the team,” Marina Ferrari explained on the sidelines of the championship match that the Blues lost to Toulouse (1-2) on Sunday.

“For our clubs to be successful, they need foreign capital,” highlighted the Savoyard while discussing the proposed law on reforming the governance of professional sports with the leaders of both clubs, Strasbourg’s Marc Keller and Toulouse’s Olivier Cloarec.

Unanimously adopted by the Senate last June, this “important text” according to the Minister, will be presented to the National Assembly on May 18.

The project involves a major restructuring of French football, including the dissolution of the Professional League (LFP) in favor of a company of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs, supported by private partners.

“This gives me the opportunity to discuss with the leaders about their expectations,” Marina Ferrari said. “Today, we have an economic issue, with many media rights being lost due to piracy. There is also a section that will address the structuring of professional women’s sports. In Strasbourg, there is a women’s section that is developing well.”

Asked about the issue of multiple ownership affecting both Racing and Toulouse, the Minister emphasized the need for foreign capital for European competitiveness.

“What needs to be understood is that this is a phenomenon that goes beyond the national level,” she explained. “So I am in favor of regulating multiple ownership, but within a European framework.” This message will be carried by Marina Ferrari to the Council of Europe on May 11 and 12.

Regarding the viability of the multiple ownership model, a recent DNCG report highlighted the significant financial deficits in French football.

For example, Racing suffered a record loss of €78.3 million in the last fiscal year (2024-2025). Should we be concerned?

“It’s not multiple ownership that causes a deficit, it’s the economic difficulties of French football,” responded the Minister. “The losses related to piracy are estimated at €1.5 billion for culture and sports, with over €390 million for sports alone. It’s important to fight against this phenomenon.”

As a potentially exciting week unfolds, with PSG and Racing on the verge of a European final, Marina Ferrari delivers an optimistic message to the supporters, acknowledging their concerns. “Our role as public authorities is to ensure that everything is well regulated and, above all, that the identity of clubs and territories is respected,” she explained.

“On the eve of a potentially exciting week, with PSG and Racing on the brink of a European final, Marina Ferrari delivers an optimistic message to supporters, acknowledging their concerns. But for the Minister, safeguards are in place.”

“Our role as public authorities is to ensure that everything is well regulated and, above all, that the identity of clubs and territories is respected,” she said. “Here, it seems to me that Marc Keller’s leadership ensures the preservation of the club’s soul. Just because an investor is foreign doesn’t mean they will change the club’s essence. What defines the club is the supporters, the territory, and the enthusiasm. And in France, we are deeply attached to that.”