LFP Reveals Deficit For Clubs From France's Top Two Leagues On Rise From '10-11 Season

The deficit of the 40 Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs has increased from €65M last year to €107M ($138.6M) during the '11-12 season. The administration council for the French Professional Football League (LFP) learned of the results during a meeting on Thursday. The data was presented by the DNCG, the organization responsible for overseeing and monitoring the accounts of professional football clubs in France. Of the 40 clubs, 25 presented a net deficit, nine in Ligue 1 and 16 in Ligue 2. Sales for France's top two leagues increased 8.5% to €1.35B ($1.75B). In Ligue 1, the net deficit is €60M ($77.7M), up from the €46M revealed the previous year. The Ligue 2 net deficit increased from €19M during the '10-11 season to €47M ($60.9M). However, debts for the two top leagues remain reasonable at €110M ($142.5M) compared to other neighboring countries. The social and fiscal contribution of football to the state increased from €622M in '10-11 to €640M ($829M) (LFP). The AFP noted for now the LFP "is not giving club-by-club details" regarding the financial results presented by the DNCG (AFP, 11/29).