Canal+ president Maxime Saada has firmly dismissed suggestions that the French broadcaster is seeking to undermine Ligue 1. In a recent interview with L'Équipe, Saada asserted that the company is in a strong financial position and fully capable of investing in France's top football division.
Saada pointed to the group's robust financial health, noting that Canal+ generates profits exceeding €700 million. He argued that those who claim the broadcaster lacks the funds to support Ligue 1 simply do not understand corporate finance. The company, he emphasized, has returned to profitability both in France and internationally.
The Canal+ chief clarified that the real question is not about capacity but about value and return on investment. He highlighted that the company's recent investment in the cinema chain UGC is more ambitious than a potential acquisition of Ligue 1 rights, underscoring that the decision is purely a business one focused on profitability.
Saada also revealed Canal+'s ambition to become a distributor for the new Ligue 1+ platform within France. However, he stressed that the broadcaster is already a significant contributor to the league's finances. Canal+ currently broadcasts Ligue 1 matches across nearly 40 countries, including francophone and anglophone Africa.
Furthermore, Saada stated that Canal+ has doubled the amount of its financial investment to the LFP, the governing body of French professional football. This, he argued, makes Canal+ one of the primary funders of the Championnat de France, directly contradicting narratives that the company wishes to harm the league.
The interview comes as the French football media landscape continues to evolve, with broadcasters and streaming services vying for rights. Saada's comments are a clear signal that Canal+ intends to remain a major player in the football broadcasting market, leveraging its financial strength and existing international footprint.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.