Paris FC could be sold to Red Bull and Arnault family

According to a report by L’Équipe, Paris FC could be on the verge of being sold to Red Bull and the Arnault family who have worked together previously in Formula 1. The current president and the majority shareholder of the Ligue 2 side, Pierre Ferracci, is thought to be preparing his succession. 

If the club were to be sold, Ferracci will keep 30% of his shares until 2027 when he is reportedly planning on exiting. Red Bull would be expected to take a 15% share, with the Arnault family (who own LVMH) becoming the new majority shareholder purchasing around 55 to 56% of the shares. 

The French outlet writes that the prospective owners hope to shake up the landscape of French football. The immediate plan will be to gain promotion to the top flight by the end of this season, but in the long term, the project is to make the club a staple qualifier for the Champions League. 

Paris FC could be provided with an extensive budget to achieve this aim, with L’Équipe writing that they may be provided between 100 and 200 million euros in resources. This news breaks the same day that Jürgen Klopp has been announced as the new head of football for Red Bull. 

Neither Red Bull nor the Arnault family responded to L’Équipe’s request for comment. 

GFFN | Nick Hartland