Historic Professional League begins in France | 08.12.2006

The French Federation of Athletics (FFA) will create a professional athletics league in 2007. This ‘Ligue Nationale d'Athlétisme' (National League of Athletics) will be the first of its type created by an individual sport federation in France.

Bernard Amsalem, President of the FFA, described the new League as ‘a natural evolution' for the sport of Athletics, the first Olympic sport.

"Nowadays, there are more and more people around the athletes. It was time to consider the athlete as the central point and to promote links with the federation and other structures of the sport", said Amsalem. "The League will also represent a resource link to bring advice about management and image to the athletes.

"From now on, clubs will be the employer, even if the League will pay the salary of the athletes. This will strengthen the link between an athlete and his/her club. "

So what's next?

The proposal to set up the League was adopted by the recent General Assembly of the FFA with more than 90% in favour.

The Council for the General Assembly for the League will take place on 28 January 2007 and a board of directors will be elected.

Twenty to 30 athletes will be involved in 2007. To be eligible for the League, athletes must have ranked in the top 18 on the world list for their event in 2006. (Note: the world list used has been adjusted so that there is a maximum of three athletes per country).

In the long run, the contingent will comprise of about 60 athletes, who will be contracted for at least two years in the League.

Participation in the League will not be compulsory. "Of course, we won't force anybody", said Amsalem, "but, consequently, those who don't take part won't benefit from the advantages of the structure, in term of status, finance, as well as services".