Ligue 1 2025/26: A New Law Against Multi-Ownership, the 6th Matchday to Follow, and an Anticipated Classico

The 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season is experiencing an intense period, not only on the pitch with the imminent 6th matchday but also behind the scenes with a major bill that could upend the ecosystem of French football. Éric Coquerel, a deputy from La France Insoumise, has introduced a cross-party initiative to ban the multi-ownership of clubs—a practice affecting nearly one-third of European clubs and significantly impacting ten of Ligue 1’s 18 teams.

A Bill That Shakes Up Multi-Ownership in Ligue 1

Multi-ownership, which allows a single owner to manage multiple clubs—particularly internationally—has long been controversial. In France, the sports code currently prohibits multi-ownership between French clubs, but Coquerel’s proposal goes further by also banning the simultaneous ownership of a French club and a foreign team. This measure could affect groups like BlueCo, owner of RC Strasbourg, which, despite positive results and European qualification, faces backlash from some supporters over contentious decisions, such as the departure of captain Emmanuel Emegha to Chelsea.

The proposal includes severe penalties for non-compliance, such as a fine equivalent to 2% of the owner’s global revenue and a ban from competitions. Additionally, it strengthens the role of the Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion (DNCG), which could block non-compliant purchases or transfers. However, the law would not apply retroactively to "already established situations" to preserve the stability of French clubs. This text, which also targets other sports governed by the sports code, could be presented to the National Assembly in late 2025 or early 2026.

The Full TV Schedule for Ligue 1’s 6th Matchday

On the sporting front, the 6th matchday promises excitement with key matches not to be missed. The action kicks off on Friday, September 26, with the clash between RC Strasbourg Alsace and Olympique de Marseille at 8:45 PM. The following day, several highly anticipated fixtures will take place, including FC Lorient vs. AS Monaco at 5:00 PM, Toulouse FC vs. FC Nantes at 7:00 PM, and Paris Saint-Germain vs. AJ Auxerre at 9:05 PM.

Sunday will also be packed with matches like OGC Nice vs. Paris FC at 3:00 PM, Lille vs. Olympique Lyonnais at 5:15 PM, Angers SCO vs. Stade Brestois 29, FC Metz vs. Havre AC, and in the evening, Stade Rennais FC will face RC Lens at 8:45 PM. All matches will be available on Ligue 1+, the Ligue de Football Professionnel’s new official platform integrated with DAZN, offering two subscription plans tailored to different fan profiles.

OM-PSG: The Classico and the Streaming Revolution

One of the recent standout events was the legendary Classico between Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain, played on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Originally scheduled for Sunday, the match was postponed due to storms. OM, sitting 7th in the table, sought to build on their resounding victory over Lorient and a promising Champions League performance against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, PSG remained unbeaten in the league with four wins in as many games, bolstered by their confidence after defeating Atalanta in Europe.

This Classico was an exclusive on Ligue 1+, the streaming platform launched by the LFP, marking French football’s shift toward a more accessible and flexible digital offering. To watch live matches, fans can subscribe starting at €9.99 per month for the youth plan or €14.99 for a more comprehensive package, with multiple commitment options. The OM-PSG match was not broadcast on Canal+ or Prime Video, underscoring the league’s strategy to fully embrace digital distribution.

A Future Balancing Regulation and Spectacle

As Ligue 1 continues to captivate with a packed schedule and high-stakes matches, the political battle over multi-ownership highlights the economic and ethical challenges in ensuring a healthy, competitive league. The balance between innovation in match broadcasting and club stability will be crucial for the future of French football. The debate is on, the season is in full swing, and fans won’t miss a moment of this competition at the heart of sports and political news.