Sports Officials React to Proposed Budget Cuts Post-Paris 2024

As France prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, prominent sports figures have expressed alarm over a proposed 18% budget cut to the Ministry of Sports for 2026, highlighting the potential ramifications for sports infrastructure, employment, and societal benefits.

During a one-year countdown celebration to the Olympics held at the Grand Palais on July 26, 2025, Tony Estanguet, former president of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, criticized the upcoming cuts as 'a bit incomprehensible.' He emphasized that it is difficult for the sports community to understand why sports are being sidelined, especially after hosting the Olympics. Estanguet stated, "It is very, very difficult for us [the sports movement] to see how sports are treated in this country at the moment," arguing for a reconsideration of the funding cuts.

The proposed budget adjustments, which stem from France's growing deficit, are expected to have severe impacts on sports development. Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the Minister of Sports, underscored the detrimental effects of such budget constraints, cautioning that they could lead to significant job losses among sports educators and impede the construction of essential sports facilities. She pointed out that funding for sports constitutes only 0.1% of the state budget, insisting that ongoing cuts would "asphyxiate" the sector.

Oudéa-Castéra highlighted the financial rationale for sports investment, stating that every euro spent on sports can potentially save 13 euros in healthcare and education costs, reinforcing the importance of a robust sports policy.

In an echo of these sentiments, notable athletes, including Olympic champion Teddy Riner, have publicly criticized the looming budget cuts. Meanwhile, Marie Barsacq, the current Minister of Sports, acknowledged the dissatisfaction with the cuts, admitting, "It is not satisfactory because the cut is too strong." She indicated that discussions regarding the budget are in progress, viewing the proposal as merely a draft.

This backlash highlights a critical juncture for sports funding in France as it looks to balance fiscal responsibility with the continued development of its sporting infrastructure and community benefits, following the pride and visibility brought by the upcoming Olympic Games.