Paris FC has officially secured its promotion to Ligue 1, marking a significant milestone for the club, which is now set to join Paris Saint-Germain in the French football elite.

Pierre Ferracci, the long-serving president of Paris FC, emphasized the club's immediate goal of stabilizing its position within the top division.

He noted, 'We must first avoid any industrial accident that would see us relegated back to Ligue 2 at the end of next season.' Ferracci also indicated plans for a generational leadership shift, with one of Bernard Arnault's children, likely Antoine, poised to take over the presidency by 2027.

Stéphane Gilli, who has coached the team for the past two seasons, highlighted the team’s tough campaign leading to their promotion.

He stated, 'We fought hard every weekend against teams like Lorient, Metz, and Dunkerque.

This promotion reflects the extensive work done over the years.' Ferracci acknowledged that while the team's progress surpasses initial expectations set during the acquisition of the club, much work remains to meet the heightened ambitions stemming from their elevation.

In preparation for Ligue 1, Paris FC is prioritizing recruitment to ensure survival in the league.

Ferracci noted, 'We will strengthen the squad and assess which positions require experienced players to achieve our objective calmly.' The club is collaborating with Red Bull in scouting for young talents to bolster their roster.

Budgetary considerations are critical for the club, which operated with a budget of approximately €30 million in Ligue 2, while its Ligue 1 counterpart Montpellier, relegated yet holding the eighth-largest budget, spent around €50 million solely on salary expenses.

'We must account for the dire situation regarding TV rights.

Thanks to solid shareholders, I can approach this with confidence; however, the goal is not to squander finances,' Ferracci remarked, also noting the DNCG's call for caution in transfer spending.

The club is required to present its financial plans, including a budget for Ligue 1, to the French football financial regulatory body on June 19, following a board meeting set for May 12, which will occur after the conclusion of the Ligue 2 season.

Paris FC’s ambitions include competing with local rivals Paris SG in what many anticipate will be an electrifying derby.

Ferracci acknowledged, 'We have much to learn.

The experience of Ligue 1 encompasses not only sporting or media aspects but also commercial and economic ones.'

Starting next season, Paris FC will temporarily relocate from its current home at the Stade Charléty in the XIII arrondissement to Jean-Bouin Stadium, where it will share facilities with the rugby team Stade Français, located adjacent to the Parc des Princes.

Although Ferracci’s hope of returning to a renovated Charléty is currently unrealistic, he expressed satisfaction with the arrangement at Jean-Bouin, particularly if Stade Français secures its position in the Top 14, which could facilitate joint hospitality opportunities.

Additionally, Paris FC is planning to expand its training center in Orly from 8 to 20 hectares to accommodate both its men's and women's professional teams, as well as its training academies.

While ambitious, Ferracci cited Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio as a model, noting the club's steady rise in Italian football despite not having the financial heft of Milan, Rome, or Turin.

Atalanta secured the UEFA Europa League title in 2024, eight years after the arrival of head coach Gianpiero Gasperini, a key figure in the club's development.

The challenges ahead for Paris FC are substantial as they embark on this new chapter.