In a surprising turn of events, Pierre Ferracci, the president of Paris FC, received an unexpected late-night call from Emmanuel Macron. The French president had just discovered that Ferracci was secretly negotiating the sale of the football club to a new ownership group, including the Arnault family—renowned for their luxury empire, LVMH—and the Austrian sports giant Red Bull. Despite the stakes, Ferracci successfully assured Macron that keeping the details under wraps was essential for the deal’s success.
For months, from late April, the behind-the-scenes activity at Paris FC ramped up. Auditors meticulously combed through the club’s financial records, while Red Bull representatives, including former football star Mario Gomez, visited the training center to evaluate operations, all while maintaining strict confidentiality. The breakthrough came in early October when news of the impending sale finally leaked to the public through L’Equipe.
The Arnaults are set to acquire 55% of the club through their holding company, Agache, while Red Bull will take a 15% stake. Ferracci will keep 30%, planning to sell his remaining shares by 2027, when Antoine Arnault will take over as club president. The upcoming press conference is anticipated to shed light on the motivations behind this significant transition.
For Ferracci, this sale represents both relief and potential financial gain after years of leading a club that has often lived in the shadow of Paris Saint-Germain. Established in 1969, Paris FC has navigated through lower divisions, only achieving Ligue 2 status in 2015. The rivalry with PSG, particularly in youth and women’s competitions, has always been overshadowed by the latter’s dominance in the men’s game, emphasizing the club’s uphill battle to regain prominence in French football.
The Paris FC, founded in 1969, has struggled to establish itself alongside the more famous Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The recent announcement of the sale marks a significant shift in the club’s future, as it transitions to new ownership under the Arnault family and Red Bull. This change comes at a time when Paris FC seeks to rise through the ranks of French football, particularly as they focus on expanding their reach and competitiveness.
The impending sale of Paris FC to the Arnault family and Red Bull marks a pivotal moment in the club’s history, promising new resources and ambitions. Ferracci, having led the club since 2012, looks forward to a prosperous financial deal and a brighter future for Paris FC. As this transition unfolds, fans eagerly await details from the upcoming press conference, hoping for a revival that will shake the foundations of Parisian football.
