The potential appointment of Zinédine Zidane as the new manager of the French national team may require a special exemption from the Ministry of Sports, according to a report in L’Équipe. The situation stems from new legislation regarding governance in professional sports, specifically concerning salary caps.
The French National Assembly recently passed a law, expected to be formally adopted later in July, which sets a salary ceiling of €450,000 per year for leaders of publicly funded sporting organizations – a figure comparable to the president of a state-owned industrial and commercial establishment. While exceptions are possible with approval from the Ministry of Sports, the law introduces a significant hurdle to hiring Zidane.
Current France manager Didier Deschamps reportedly earns around €3.8 million annually, excluding bonuses. This figure far exceeds the proposed salary cap, and any attempt to offer Zidane a comparable wage would necessitate a formal request for a ministerial derogation. The French Football Federation (FFF) has not yet confirmed whether Zidane has signed a contract, maintaining silence on the matter.
The new law aims to regulate finances within French football and ensure greater transparency in leadership compensation. It reflects a broader trend towards increased scrutiny of spending within the sport. The potential need for a special exemption to appoint Zidane highlights the immediate impact of the legislation on high-profile managerial appointments. This situation could lead to negotiations between the FFF and the Ministry of Sports, potentially setting a precedent for future appointments. The outcome will be closely watched by other national associations and clubs operating within the new regulatory framework.
