According to reports, a letter sent by France’s Management and Planning Organization to Ligue 1 clubs today indicates that the outlook for TV broadcasting rights in France is darker than previously thought.

Ligue 1 has faced a popularity crisis since the departure of Kylian Mbappé. Last week, DAZN announced its withdrawal from the five-year contract signed with Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) last summer, worth €375 million annually. DAZN will pay €100 million in termination fees to avoid further losses.

Ligue 1 has decided to establish its own media company and then auction broadcasting rights to interested TV networks. However, French media reports suggest no broadcaster is willing to participate in this auction.

This is why France’s Management and Planning Organization, a government body, has urged Ligue 1 clubs to cut costs and prepare for a financially challenging season ahead.

Jean-Marc Mickeler, head of the organization, stated that experts will hold direct meetings with Ligue 1 club presidents starting May 27 to assist them in budget adjustments.

Since Paris Saint-Germain’s star-studded project with Lionel Messi, Neymar, Sergio Ramos, and others failed—and especially after Mbappé’s departure—international interest in Ligue 1 has sharply declined, making TV networks reluctant to acquire broadcasting rights.