Should broadcasters appoint a number one commentator? | OneFootball

French broadcasters are split between appointing a single lead commentator and rotating the role. This season Canal+ has adopted alternation, while Ligue 1+ has installed a fixed number one.

According to L'Équipe, Canal+ now shares marquee fixtures between Paul Tchoukriel and François Marchal, notably in the Champions League. Marchal called Sporting Portugal v PSG 2-1 on Tuesday, Tchoukriel did Marseille v Liverpool 0-3 on Wednesday.

Sports chief Thomas Sénécal argues a star system no longer fits, saying rotation is healthier, sparks competition and ultimately benefits subscribers.

Ligue 1+ entrusts its two top Ligue 1 matches to Xavier Domergue, a choice championed by Nicolas de Tavernost, who installed his voice at M6 in 2020. At beIN Sports, Christophe Josse has remained an uncontested number one since launch.

Julien Brun backs a flexible hierarchy and warns that preselecting distant finals would sap motivation. Commentators covet the biggest games, and Ligue 1+ executive Jérôme Cazadieu says Domergue’s status is accepted but must be continually justified.

Brun also notes the risks of being a new channel’s flagship voice after leading DAZN last season, then giving way as Ligue 1+ avoided a copy and paste. He adds that even a sole number one can be changed at any time.

Charles Biétry and Cyril Linette value rotation to keep standards high and styles varied, though Linette says it should stop at two, recalling confusion after 2006 when four or five alternated. Some warn it can strain relations. Canal+ must still choose one voice for the Champions League final on 30 May.

Source: L'Équipe