Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, delivered a speech at the 48th UEFA Ordinary Congress in Paris on February 8, 2024. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the International Football Association (FIFA) are considering leaving France. They believe that the legal and fiscal system in France is not suitable for their activities. Xavier Malenfer, the Director of Institutional and International Relations at FIA, stated that despite France being the birthplace of motorsports, international competition and globalization of sports have weakened its position. Without a specific status for international sports federations, there is little hope for the activities of FIA to develop further, even with the undeniable advantages of Paris.
In late 2023, the French government attempted to pass a law in the 2024 budget containing tax provisions aimed at attracting international sports federations recognized by the International Olympic Committee, with football being the primary target. Since June 2021, FIFA has had a Paris office responsible for relations with federations and technical collaborations to support football development. The French capital also houses a clearinghouse responsible for solidarity mechanisms. However, in December 2023, the Constitutional Council rejected the favorable tax regime, citing tax equality and raising doubts about the installation of these federations. The main obstacle identified to French attractiveness was the lack of a specific legal status for international federations in France, affecting their activities, taxation, and overall interest in being in the country.
Collectively, FIFA, FIA, and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) through Sporsora, a sports organization, demand more clarity and visibility from France regarding the legal, social, and fiscal regime that would apply to them. They emphasize that international sports federations are not seeking extraordinary privileges, but they also do not want to be treated less favorably than other organizations. Kenny Jean-Marie, who heads the Paris office of FIFA, emphasized the need for a clear legal framework for international sports federations operating in France. The lack of a specific legal status for these federations in French law has tangible effects on their operations and financial situation.
The FIFA and FIA, considering leaving France due to the unfriendly legal and fiscal environment, highlight the importance of recognition and support for international sports federations in the country. Paris, historically a hub for sports federations, is facing challenges from international competition and globalization, impacting its attractiveness for these organizations. The failed attempt by the French government to attract international federations through tax incentives in the 2024 budget signifies a missed opportunity for France to solidify its position in the global sports landscape. The demand for a specific legal status for international federations in French law is crucial for their operations and long-term presence in the country.
The issue of legal recognition and support for international sports federations is a pressing concern for both FIFA and FIA, as they contemplate their future in France. The lack of a specific legal status for these organizations in French law has practical implications on their activities, taxation, and overall interest in being based in France. The need for more clarity and visibility from the French government is emphasized by these federations, who seek to operate within a clear and supportive legal framework. The potential departure of FIFA and FIA from France underscores the importance of addressing these challenges and creating a conducive environment for international sports federations to thrive in the country.
