Vive les Socios: struggling French clubs open doors to shareholder fans in tough times

Supporters are putting money into their teams in a typically collective response to financial crisisThere seems to be a not-for-profit association for everything in France, from amateur mycology to choral music and international disaster relief. There were one and a half million Associations Loi 1901 at the last count, which equates to one for every 48 inhabitants, with 60,000 to 70,000 new groups created each year. They constitute an essential part of the fabric of French society, a natural response to every kind of need felt by local communities – except when it comes to organised football.This is odd, considering professionalism was introduced by the French FA as late as 1932 after a decade of hand-wringing and it would have been natural for practitioners of the game to take the matter in their own hands. Yet in France, club ownership at all but the lowest level has always been the preserve of private individuals, local authorities and, a very French trait, businesses that have set up teams for their employees, the football corporatif or football entreprise, which has its own leagues and federation. Continue reading...

Comments

Sport news

Is USC's offense really that good? The Trojans' numbers impress, but some questions loom

LA Times

New footage shows 'Phillies Karen' confronting ANOTHER fan and flipping off crowd - after screaming at father over home run ball

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Bayern Munich honorary president delivers brutal verdict on Nicolas Jackson loan deal - as he claims ex-Chelsea star will 'NEVER' trigger obligation to buy

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Tommy Fury is accused of LYING about his 100km triathlon as data emerges showing he 'did not finish' despite celebrations with Molly-Mae after sprinting over the line

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Is Dele Alli returning to England? Ex-Tottenham star's contract was ripped up by Como - after mental struggles, 10 MINUTES of football, and a break-up from his model girlfriend, THREE teams are his 'potential next club'

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

NBA hero found love with a college athlete, Boris Becker, 57, is expecting another child with his wife, 34, and the NFL legend whose girlfriend is 49 YEARS younger than him: The age-gap relationships that have set tongues wagging in sport

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

World Cup qualifier delayed for seven minutes as SINKHOLE opens on the pitch - as Real Madrid star admits he has 'never experienced anything like it'

about 2 hours ago

Dailymail

Fenerbahce chief breaks silence on decision to sack Jose Mourinho - and names 'UNACCEPTABLE' reason why ex-Premier League boss had to go

about 2 hours ago

Chelsea suffer transfer blow with Nicolas Jackson set for shock return from Bayern Munich

Metro

Kylian Mbappe names the Premier League club he has 'high hopes' are crowned champions this season - and the crucial factor that could see side claim the title

about 3 hours ago

Comments

Sport news

Is USC's offense really that good? The Trojans' numbers impress, but some questions loom

Sondheimer: Tom Stillwell evolves from volleyball star to ace Girl Dad

Rodri backs Arsenal star to become ‘one of the best’ players in the world

England’s limp win against Andorra does not inspire faith for 2026 World Cup finals

Liverpool send message to Marc Guehi as four clubs plot January transfer hijack

Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City? Kylian Mbappe makes Premier League title prediction

Chelsea and Liverpool target glad £51m summer transfer didn’t happen

Top Week 1 NFL sports betting promos: Complete list of best betting bonuses

Jets open 2025 season against the Steelers — Here’s how to watch for free

FanDuel Promo Code: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins for Giants vs. Commanders

49ers vs. Seahawks, Panthers vs. Jaguars predictions: NFL Week 1 picks, odds

Giants kick off 2025 season vs. Commanders—Here’s how to watch for free

Giants have package of plays for Jaxson Dart as rookie QB could make debut in Week 1

Full NFL predictions, picks for Week 1 slate

Adam Idah believes he can ‘make a difference’ after late equaliser

Andre Onana considers Manchester United exit as discussions over loan move continue

Carlos Alcaraz explains why Donald Trump’s US Open appearance will be ‘great for tennis’

Thomas Tuchel confident England are ‘on the right path’ ahead of Serbia test

US Open record prize money: How much do players earn round by round?

Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner live: US Open build-up to blockbuster final with Trump set for appearance

Eilish McColgan upbeat after third place at Great North Run

Celtic launched a jerry can of petrol into an already smouldering fire but there’s only one party really at fault

Celtic vs Rangers LIVE score team news and build up from the SWPL derby showdown

I remember the day Brendan Rodgers told me my Celtic career was over but 2 things always stuck with me

What channel is Belarus vs Scotland? Live stream, TV and kick-off time for the World Cup qualifier

Martin Brundle cuts Monza grid walk interview short and calls ex-F1 star 'horrible man'

Ruben Amorim warned he 'can't play' Man Utd star again because of big weakness

Lewis Hamilton will be concerned as Charles Leclerc told he'll never by F1 champion

Nicolas Jackson's Chelsea exit in doubt as Bayern Munich chief reveals contract details

Novak Djokovic stance perfectly explains Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner relationship

Arsenal fans left fuming over Max Dowman incident during England U19 game

Jaguars' Travis Hunter plans finally revealed as coaches weigh playing two-way star on offense and defense

New footage shows 'Phillies Karen' confronting ANOTHER fan and flipping off crowd - after screaming at father over home run ball

Bayern Munich honorary president delivers brutal verdict on Nicolas Jackson loan deal - as he claims ex-Chelsea star will 'NEVER' trigger obligation to buy

Tommy Fury is accused of LYING about his 100km triathlon as data emerges showing he 'did not finish' despite celebrations with Molly-Mae after sprinting over the line

Is Dele Alli returning to England? Ex-Tottenham star's contract was ripped up by Como - after mental struggles, 10 MINUTES of football, and a break-up from his model girlfriend, THREE teams are his 'potential next club'

NBA hero found love with a college athlete, Boris Becker, 57, is expecting another child with his wife, 34, and the NFL legend whose girlfriend is 49 YEARS younger than him: The age-gap relationships that have set tongues wagging in sport

World Cup qualifier delayed for seven minutes as SINKHOLE opens on the pitch - as Real Madrid star admits he has 'never experienced anything like it'

Fenerbahce chief breaks silence on decision to sack Jose Mourinho - and names 'UNACCEPTABLE' reason why ex-Premier League boss had to go

Chelsea suffer transfer blow with Nicolas Jackson set for shock return from Bayern Munich

Andre Onana makes decision over Man Utd transfer exit after Trabzonspor offer

Jets vs. Steelers prediction: NFL Week 1 best bets, picks, odds

Liberty’s hopes for more playoff magic rest on trio of stars rediscovering groove

The latest chapter of Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz in US Open final is ‘what everybody’s been waiting for’

Giants vs. Commanders prediction: NFL Week 1 player props, picks, odds, bets

Giants vs. Commanders: Preview, prediction, what to watch for in Week 1

Big Half 2025 results, schedule and how to watch half marathon on TV

England make case for the defence after Australia win — but key decision looms for Scotland quarter-final

Great North Run 2025 results, schedule, times and how to watch half marathon on TV

The key Carlos Alcaraz difference that could define historic Jannik Sinner trilogy

How to beat Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – according to their rivals

When is the US Open men’s final? Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner start time and how to watch

Celtic Saturday night statement is 'laughable' as war between 'cheated' fans and board heightens – Hotline

Oliver Antman will 'challenge' Russell Martin and Rangers coaching staff as Cyriel Dessers outlines post Ibrox dream

Rory McIlroy told 'they want it more' as Masters winner receives new Ryder Cup verdict

Matheus Cunha shares cryptic four-word injury update as Man Utd sweat on star

Thomas Tuchel makes worrying Marcus Rashford admission amid star's Barcelona struggles

Harry Maguire's transfer wish has been granted by Ruben Amorim after making Man Utd request

Liverpool star sends 'difficult' warning to Florian Wirtz after slow start to life at Anfield

Kylian Mbappe names the Premier League club he has 'high hopes' are crowned champions this season - and the crucial factor that could see side claim the title