Paris could soon have a second major football club to rival PSG, as a takeover of Paris FC by France’s wealthiest family and energy giant Red Bull is set to be announced in the next few days.
Last week, it was revealed that negotiations were ongoing between the club’s current majority owner, Pierre Ferracci, and the Arnault family, who control the LVMH luxury empire, with Red Bull set to take a minority share.
The takeover could drastically reshape the football scene in France, where Paris Saint-Germain has dominated the domestic league since being bought by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011.
It could also mark the first time in over 30 years that Paris has two teams in the top division since Racing Paris was relegated in 1990.
This has created a clear footballing contrast between Paris and other major European cities, especially London, which boasts seven clubs in this season’s Premier League.
Neither Paris FC nor the Arnault family responded to AFP’s request for comment last week, but a source close to the negotiations hinted that a statement would be released in the coming days.
The same source revealed that the Arnault family — France’s wealthiest, led by LVMH CEO Bernard and his five children — would secure a 55% controlling stake, while Red Bull would own 15% of the club, whose logo features the Eiffel Tower, Paris’ iconic symbol.
The remaining 30% would stay with Ferracci until it is transferred to the Arnault family in 2027.
Klopp Involvement?
Even with the potential challenge from Paris FC, PSG’s owners embraced the idea of a new rival emerging nearby.
According to PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi‘s entourage, his response last week was, “It’s great news for Paris and for French football.”
Ambitions could soar for a club that is already set to secure promotion to Ligue 1 this season.
Red Bull’s involvement could be crucial, considering its track record of success with its network of football clubs, including Champions League regular RB Leipzig.
Red Bull recently appointed Jurgen Klopp as head of football operations, which means the former Liverpool manager could influence the future direction of Paris FC.
Paris FC has strong ties to Paris Saint-Germain.
Founded in 1969, they soon merged with a team from the Saint-Germain suburb to create PSG.
A split occurred in 1972, and Paris FC was relegated from the top division in 1974. They’ve only had one season in the top flight since 1978/79.
Rai and Bahrain
It’s only in the past decade that Paris FC has consistently played in Ligue 2, and now they sit at the top of the table.
In the last decade, Paris FC has firmly established itself in Ligue 2 and is now leading the table.
While the investment at Paris FC is far smaller than at PSG, the club still spent over one million euros ($1.087 million) on striker Jean-Philippe Krasso from Red Star Belgrade before this season.
They also brought in former Marseille midfielder Maxime Lopez, who played for Fiorentina in Serie A last season, though it seems unlikely they’ll make large investments in the transfer market right away.
“Contrary to some of the nonsense I have heard, we have absolutely no intention to spend big in the January window,” sporting director Francois Ferracci told Le Parisien.
While PSG draws over 45,000 fans to the Parc des Princes and is considering expanding its stadium, Paris FC’s recent home matches have attracted fewer than 6,000 spectators on average.
This is despite offering free entry to matches at the Stade Charlety, a 20,000-seat stadium in southern Paris that is not particularly popular.
“If we could start to get 10-15,000 fans at every home game, that would be huge,” said the team’s coach, Stephane Gilli, in an interview published by the club.
The long-term goals are clearly much more ambitious for a club that boasts a prominent ambassador in former PSG and Brazil star Rai.
“I want Parisians to believe that Paris deserves at least two top-flight clubs of a good level,” Rai, who holds a small stake in Paris FC, told France Info Radio earlier this year. — AFP
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