Gabon To Host French Professional Football League's 2013 Trophée Des Champions

The French Professional Football League (LFP) has announced that the 2013 Trophée des Champions will take place on Aug. 3 in Libreville, Gabon. The event will see the winner of Ligue 1 take on the winner of the Coupe de France. In a statement, the LFP said, "This decision is in line with the development strategy of Ligue 1 internationally, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region that accounts for 30% of revenues from TV rights internationally. This choice is also an opportunity to strengthen exchanges between French football and African football. Organizing the Trophée des Champions in Gabon is a way to reach out to Africa, from where more than 110 players play in Ligue 1 this season (LFP). SOCCEREX opined that with the move, the LFP "will continue its bid to build Ligue 1's international brand" (SOCCEREX, 1/28).