FFF faces employment tribunal ruling over 2021 lay-offs amid €8.7m deficit | OneFootball

About half of the 24 staff cut in the FFF’s 2021 plan have sued, with an employment tribunal ruling due on Friday 5 June. It comes as the federation reported a €8.7 million deficit last season.

According to L'Équipe, 10 ex-employees brought cases, one in administrative court as a protected worker and nine at the Prud’hommes. They dispute any economic crisis and allege targeting. The FFF points to the pandemic, TV revenue falls and sponsor shifts.

The FFF says the plan followed due process, upheld by the Conseil d’État in April 2024, and argues only administrative courts are competent. In 2024 it also signed a Nike deal worth more than €100 million a year from 1 July 2026.

Former staff cite 2020 turmoil and a clash around then director general Florence Hardouin, with messages indicating opponents should be pushed out. A harassment complaint against the finance chief was dropped, but in 2024 the FFF was ordered to pay €8,000 to an ex-employee. An IGÉSR report preceded senior leadership exits in 2023.

At a February 2026 hearing, some alleged discrimination linked to maternity, relationships or testimony, allegations the FFF rejects. They also question the economic basis, noting equity of about €70 million then.

Judges reviewed timing, noting assurances in March 2021 before a plan emerged on 17 May. A November administrative appeal for a protected worker found revenues and costs stable near €230 million, that without plan costs 2021 would have been profitable, and mid-2020 equity and cash were €64 million and €75 million. The FFF declined to comment, later citing falling TV rights, higher amateur support, poor gates for France v Israel and a 20 percent wage-bill rise to 346 staff.

Source: L'Équipe