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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.

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Subhankar Mondal
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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
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Paris Saint-GermainPSG16124044143040
2Marseille1593332181430
3MonacoMonaco1693426161030
4Lille1576225151027
5Lyon157442720725
6Nice156632819924
7Lens156631914524
8Auxerre156362323021
9Toulouse156361717021
10Reims155552018220
11Brest156182427-319
12Rennes155282020017
13StrasbourgStrasbourg154562527-217
14NantesNantes153571724-714
15Angers153481426-1213
16Saint-EtienneSt Etienne1541101234-2213
17Le HavreLe Havre1540111129-1812
18Montpellier HSCMontpellier1523101538-239


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