Economics expert claims Celtic and Rangers should move to Ligue 1

Economics expert Jean-Pascal Gayant has said that Rangers and Celtic should join Ligue 1 in order to make the division more competitive.

He has also proposed reducing the size of France’s top tier to 16 teams – 18 when including the two Scottish Premier League clubs.

French clubs have been heavily affected by the collapse of a major TV deal, and several find themselves with serious financial problems.

That could potentially lead to some of Ligue 1’s top talent being sold elsewhere in cut-price deals.

Speaking to French website Le Foot (quotes translated by Pundit Arena), Gayant asserted: “The Scottish league is a bit wobbly; 12 teams meeting three times and then five more games to find to find a way to end the season by trying to correct the structural imbalance.

“The title hasn’t been won by a non-Glasgow club for 36 years.

“Making room for them in Ligue 1 seems to me an opportunity for Scottish football as well as French football.

“Firstly, reduce Ligue 1 to 16 teams – or possibly 18 with the two Scottish teams – to create a more competitive environment.

“With approximately the same payroll spread over 16 or 18 teams, the average quality of teams will improve and there will still be time to play European games.”

Gayant then proposed a change to the lower league structure, suggesting that the third division of French football become fully professional.

In Scotland, the last team outside of the Old Firm to win the SPL was Aberdeen, under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.

After Ferguson left to join Manchester United, however, Aberdeen struggled to compete with the two Scottish giants.

How competitive is Ligue 1?

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Paris Saint Germain have won Ligue 1 in all bar one of the last seven seasons.

However, their dominance has come under threat so far this campaign.

Although they are excelling in Europe, having already progressed to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, they are facing a battle to hold onto their league crown.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are currently joint top of the division alongside Lille, with third-placed Lyon three points behind.

Niko Kovac’s Monaco are a further point back in fourth position.

The league’s joint leaders face each other on Saturday at the Parc des Princes.

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