In a press conference held today, Lyon president and FFF executive board member Jean-Michel Aulas, alongside FA president Philippe Diallo, outlined several changes to be made to the top flight of women’s football in France, as part of an overall development plan.
The most notably change to the league season will be the introduction of play-offs starting from next season – the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, with the final then determining the champion. The third-place match will have the final qualifying spot for the Champions League on the line.
The upheaval, which aims to make French women’s football a more attractive investment opportunity ahead of a new round of bidding for broadcasting rights, will also make youth academies obligatory for all clubs.
Aulas has also announced that a new Trophée des Championnes season opener will be introduced, pitting the league winners against the Coupe de France champions. The second tier will also become one single division, with the third tier instead consisting of two leagues with 12 teams each.
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
