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French clubs to go on strike?

Clubs in France's Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 could boycott matches over the weekend of October 26 against the government's new tax measures.

Clubs in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 could go on a strike if the French government's proposal to introduce a 75% rate of income tax on people earning above €1m (£850,000) a year is made a law.

President Francois Hollande's motion will directly affect 115 players and eight coaches of 14 clubs in France and the clubs' union, the UCPF, could decide to call a strike.

"For many clubs, it is a question of survival," Bernard Caiazzo, UCPF vice-president and Saint-Etienne president, told Journal du Dimanche. "It's an alarming situation. It is extremely tense."

Jean-Pierre Louvel, president of UCPF and Le Havre, added: "Different scenarios were brought up. We'll show a very clear will.

"But we're not at that stage yet. It'll depend on the attitude and the potential discussions we'll have with the authorities as well as the will of our clubs."

Louvel further explained why the government's proposal could have an adverse effect on football in France.

"In fact, this tax doesn't only concern those L1 clubs," he said. "It puts everyone in jeopardy when French football already has a deficit.

"If L1 is weakened economically, it will have fewer means to recruit, TV rights will fall, L2 will suffer and I remind you there are 25,000 jobs directly and indirectly involved."

The final decision on strike action will be taken by the UCPF next Thursday, and if it goes ahead, then it would mean no Ligue 1 or Ligue 2 football matches over the weekend of October 26.

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Monaco's Belgian midfielder Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (R) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match Monaco vs Saint Etienne on October 5, 2013
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2Marseille1062223121120
3MonacoMonaco10622157820
4Lille10532169718
5Nice104421991016
6Lyon104331715215
7Lens1035297214
8Reims104241615114
9StrasbourgStrasbourg103431919013
10Auxerre104151718-113
11Brest104151316-313
12Toulouse103341111012
13Rennes103251316-311
14NantesNantes102441214-210
15Angers102441116-510
16Saint-EtienneSt Etienne103161024-1410
17Le HavreLe Havre10307820-129
18Montpellier HSCMontpellier10118830-224


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