beIN Sports Faces Backlash Over Coupe de France 32nd Finals Scheduling as Clubs Express Frustration

The programming of the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France has sparked notable controversy, with both amateur and professional clubs criticizing the match timings chosen by broadcaster beIN Sports. Despite the backlash, Florent Houzot, director of beIN Sports France, firmly defended their scheduling decisions, emphasizing the complexity of accommodating 32 matches within a limited weekend timeframe and adhering to regulations.

Samir Guelsifi, coach of amateur club Marcq-en-Baroeul, voiced strong criticism about the timing of their match against Troyes set for December 19 at 20:45—a Friday night. He highlighted the hardship for amateur players balancing work early the next morning with playing late matches, describing it as "a burden rather than a celebration". Guelsifi noted both clubs preferred a Saturday 18:00 kickoff order, but the final decision rested with beIN Sports.

Responding to such concerns, Houzot insisted beIN Sports has followed protocols and prioritizes matches that engage audiences and fit economic and editorial frameworks. "Our only interlocutor is the French Football Federation. Clubs must understand they cannot always play when they wish," Houzot said. He also pointed to logistical challenges like crowd control and stadium capacities influencing scheduling and highlighted that beIN Sports holds primary choice among broadcasters for match timings. For instance, they scheduled the high-profile Vendée Fontenay-PSG match on Saturday night, while France Télévisions selected others.

Despite criticism from clubs like Olympique Lyonnais and Saint-Cyr Collonges—who wished to play Friday instead of Sunday—Houzot stated no changes will be made. He expressed pride in featuring Lyon on Sunday prime time but lamented persistent unjust criticism, calling it "insupportable to always be wrongly criticized".

This ongoing debate underscores the difficulty in balancing broadcasters' commercial interests, logistical constraints, and the amateur clubs’ realities during this prestigious tournament stage, especially amid its compressed scheduling window following a Monday draw.