[Saba Sports News] According to French media reports, the French Football Federation is mired in a severe financial crisis, projecting an 8.7 million euro deficit for its 2025 accounts, with regional leagues teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Reports indicate the French national team’s hotel expenses during their stay in Boston may have exceeded 12 million euros. Despite the financial strain, federation executives held their annual general meeting in Corsica on June 5 and 6, where accommodation costs hit as high as 520 euros per night. These financial issues were only glossed over during the meeting, as the federation has pinned its entire financial future on winning the World Cup. The sudden call for frugality, rational spending and prudence has caught the players off guard. This marks the first time in the federation’s history that it has recorded an 8.7 million euro deficit, with operating losses nearing 12 million euros. The financial woes were initially deemed temporary. A new sponsorship deal with Nike is expected to generate over 100 million euros in annual revenue starting in 2026, which is intended to offset the deficit.
The editor believes that if France clinches the title in this tournament, the French Football Federation will pocket nearly 43 million euros in prize money, which will greatly improve its financial situation. However, a disappointing campaign could see certain players in the dressing room being made scapegoats.