Government Initiatives to Boost Women's Football in France

On July 20, 2025, Marie Barsacq, France’s Minister of Sports, spoke about the necessity of enhancing women’s football in France during an RMC interview. She stated that the French women’s football league is currently trailing behind countries like England and Spain, which have made significant strides in the professionalization of the sport.

Barsacq emphasized that strong performances from the French national team are crucial for generating interest and fostering the growth of women's football. She noted, We need to inspire young women, and a successful showing in upcoming tournaments can do just that, similar to the positivity surrounding England post-Euro 2022.

To further support these initiatives, the French Football Federation (FFF) is focusing on initiatives to promote greater participation in women's football. The Arkema Première Ligue, which has transitioned to a professional status, is earmarked to receive €70 million in investments over the next five years. This financial commitment is aimed at achieving better training and facilities for women athletes.

Barsacq also highlighted the critical role of media coverage in elevating women's sports, asserting that increased visibility will help develop a dedicated following. Moreover, she expressed hope that potential legislative changes would empower clubs to independently manage their financial futures, similar to what Olympique Lyonnais has accomplished. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in negotiating collective agreements for players, clubs, and coaches.

This ongoing effort indicates a firm push toward bridging the gap in women's football through strategic investments and legislative reforms, but Barsacq’s comments signal that the work is far from complete, with many hurdles still to be addressed.