The change, should it be approved by the league’s general assembly as well as the FFF, would come into effect from the 2024-25 season, one year after the scheduled downsizing of Ligue 1 to 18 teams in 2023-24. Four clubs voted against the motion.
As part of the project, France’s third division would become an 18-team professional league as well – currently, only the top two leagues are fully professional. Currently known as National, the third tier could soon be reformed as Ligue 3.
The clubs are notably hoping that by following the 18-team model, they will be in a more favourable position to negotiate the broadcasting rights conceded to them by Ligue 1.
