FFF Announces Record Budget and Key Decisions at 2025 General Assembly
The FFF announced a record budget and key structural decisions during its General Assembly on June 14, 2025.
Key Points
- • FFF adopts a record budget of €299.1 million for the 2025-2026 season.
- • Plans for enhanced football security with body cameras for referees.
- • Negotiations ongoing for a return to Stade de France for national matches.
- • Launch of a new professional Ligue 3 set for the 2026-2027 season.
During the French Football Federation (FFF) General Assembly held on June 14, 2025, a significant agenda of decisions was presented, most notably the approval of a record budget of €299.1 million for the 2025-2026 season. This budget reflects a strategic shift as it heavily relies on new partnerships, including a long-term deal with Nike running through 2035, and a sponsorship agreement with Crédit Agricole for the Coupe de France naming rights, reducing dependence on television rights.
The allocation for the upcoming season includes €106.2 million dedicated to amateur football and €14 million aimed at advancing women's football initiatives. Philippe Diallo, FFF President, expressed ambitions for the French women's national team to progress to the quarter-finals in Euro 2025, alongside hopes for the men's team in the 2026 World Cup. The financial strategy indicates a prosperity forecast, albeit contingent on the men's national team's performance affecting future budgets.
In addition to financial matters, FFF leaders discussed plans for a return to the Stade de France after confirming ongoing negotiations with GL Events, the venue's new management. Diallo emphasized openness to this return, contingent on successful negotiation outcomes. Currently, the French national team is set to host upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifying matches at Parc des Princes due to the need for legal resolutions regarding previous management disputes.
To enhance security in amateur football, the FFF plans to equip referees with body cameras as a deterrent against violence and misconduct—a measure that has shown positive preliminary results in three district trials. The federation sees this initiative as a critical step toward improving match conduct and maintaining the integrity of the sport.
Furthermore, the FFF will introduce a professional Ligue 3 starting in the 2026-2027 season, which is expected to feature 18 teams, setting a new standard for French football's structure. The women’s Coupe de la LFFP has also been adapted to a new format with a group stage leading into knockout rounds, and the final is to take place in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
Overall, the FFF is positioning itself for growth and transformation as it navigates these strategic developments, setting the stage for a potentially momentous season ahead.