Paris FC Back in Ligue 1 after 46 years - a new rival for PSG!

Paris FC Back in Ligue 1 after 46 years - a new rival for PSG!

Paris FC secured promotion to Ligue 1 on Friday, May 2, 2025, with a tie against FC Martigues. With this result and the simultaneous 3: 3 draw between FC Metz and Rodez, the Paris FC was able to consolidate second place in the table of Ligue 2. The club returns 46 years after its last stay in the highest French division and will ensure a special Highlight in the coming season, since for the first time in 35 years two clubs from the capital, Paris FC and Paris Saint-Germain, will compete in Ligue 1. The decision was made in the penultimate round of Ligue 2, while FC Lorient already fixed the direct return.

the Paris FC, who belongs to 52% of the Arnault family and 11% of Red Bull, ended the season second behind FC Lorient. This is remarkable because the club has failed four times in the promotion play-offs in the past six years. Antoine Arnault, son of Bernard Arnault, celebrated the club's official doctorate in the stadium. From a sporting point of view, the Paris FC could also win the title of Ligue 2 championship, since it is only two points behind FC Lorient and the last round of the game is imminent.

special perspectives and challenges

The team is already planning to compete with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The proximity of the home sites of the two clubs promises exciting city derbies that will enrich football culture in Paris. While Paris FC will host its last game in Ligue 2 on May 10 against Ajaccio in the Stade Charléty, the association also announced a move to the Jean-Bouin stadium, which is located near the famous Parc of Princes.

The financial framework for Ligue 1 is also of great importance. French clubs have suffered high losses in recent years, especially due to the Covid 19 pandemic. In order to overcome these financial difficulties, Ligue 1 completed a deal with the investor CVC in 2022. This took over 13 percent of the shares of a newly founded subsidiary to market the league and provided 1.5 billion euros. However, critics have concerns about the unequal distribution of financial resources, which result in top clubs such as PSG receive 200 million euros, while promoters such as the Paris FC only get 1.5 million euros.

The question of the financial future in Ligue 1 remains crucial, especially since the current media contracts end in the summer of 2024. It is expected that the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) will negotiate with the new rights for the 2024/25 to 2028/29 season to increase the income in a competitive market in which international competitions for TV money also compete.

For more information: Laola1 , France TV info , Sportschau .