MX23RW : Friday, September 20 04:13:36| >> :120:21306:21306:

French clubs to go on strike?

Clubs in France's Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 could boycott matches over the weekend of October 26 against the government's new tax measures.

Clubs in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 could go on a strike if the French government's proposal to introduce a 75% rate of income tax on people earning above €1m (£850,000) a year is made a law.

President Francois Hollande's motion will directly affect 115 players and eight coaches of 14 clubs in France and the clubs' union, the UCPF, could decide to call a strike.

"For many clubs, it is a question of survival," Bernard Caiazzo, UCPF vice-president and Saint-Etienne president, told Journal du Dimanche. "It's an alarming situation. It is extremely tense."

Jean-Pierre Louvel, president of UCPF and Le Havre, added: "Different scenarios were brought up. We'll show a very clear will.

"But we're not at that stage yet. It'll depend on the attitude and the potential discussions we'll have with the authorities as well as the will of our clubs."

Louvel further explained why the government's proposal could have an adverse effect on football in France.

"In fact, this tax doesn't only concern those L1 clubs," he said. "It puts everyone in jeopardy when French football already has a deficit.

"If L1 is weakened economically, it will have fewer means to recruit, TV rights will fall, L2 will suffer and I remind you there are 25,000 jobs directly and indirectly involved."

The final decision on strike action will be taken by the UCPF next Thursday, and if it goes ahead, then it would mean no Ligue 1 or Ligue 2 football matches over the weekend of October 26.

ID:111832: cacheID:111832:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2510:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Monaco's Belgian midfielder Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (R) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match Monaco vs Saint Etienne on October 5, 2013
Read Next:
Ocampos wins it late for Monaco
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Patriots
@
Jets
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Paris Saint-GermainPSG44001631312
2Marseille4310124810
3MonacoMonaco431071610
4Lens42204138
5NantesNantes42116337
6Reims42116607
7Rennes42028536
8Lille42025416
9Le HavreLe Havre420267-16
10StrasbourgStrasbourg41218715
11Toulouse41214405
12Nice41126604
13Lyon411248-44
14Brest4103610-43
15Auxerre410339-63
16Saint-EtienneSt Etienne410317-63
17Angers401328-61
18Montpellier HSCMontpellier4013213-111


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!