France’s Ligue 1 is set to be reduced from 20 teams to 18 from the 2023-24 season.
Ligue 1, France’s top-flight, had 18 teams in the past but was expanded to 20 teams in the 2002-03 season. The league relegates two teams automatically each season, with the 18th-placed side entering the relegation playoffs.
L’Equipe newspaper reported on Thursday that the general assembly of the French professional league (LFP) had voted in favour of the plan, with the division to be cut in two years time.
The newspaper also reported that Ligue 2, the French second tier, will remain at 20 clubs although could also be reduced to 18 following talks.
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When did it change and how will it work?
Ligue 1 was an 18-team league until 2002, when they expanded it out to 20 teams.
But they will now drop the number back down to 18 teams from the 2023-24 campaign.
At the end of the 2022-23 season, four teams will be relegated from Ligue 1 while only two teams will be promoted from Ligue 2 to hit the new 18-team figure.
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Was there any opposition?
Yes. L'Equipe reported Metz were the only team that went against this decision. It was otherwise unanimously backed by the general assembly of the LFP.
The decision has been made due to the difficult financial situation in French football. Clubs in that country have been struggling since the collapse of the €3.25 billion Mediapro TV deal last season.
French football then agreed a €365 million a season deal with Canal Plus to see them through to the end of the season.
(Photo by Fred Scheiber via Getty Images)
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