History of Paris FC in Timeline

Paris Football Club, or Paris FC, is a French professional football club based in Paris. They currently compete in Ligue 2, the second tier of French football. Their home matches are played at the Stade Sébastien Charléty, located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris.

August 1969: Paris FC Founding

On August 1969, Paris Football Club was founded with the aim of playing in the first division by 1970.

1969: Club foundation

In 1969 the club was founded. A list of notable former players who have represented Paris and its predecessors in league and international competition since the club's foundation are mentioned.

1970: Merger with Stade Saint-Germain

In 1970, Paris FC merged with Stade Saint-Germain to form Paris Saint-Germain F.C., but quickly left the merger.

1972: Split from Paris Saint-Germain

In 1972, Paris FC split from Paris Saint-Germain due to pressure from the mayor, who refused to support a non-Parisian club.

1972: Playing in First Division

In 1972, Paris FC were playing in the first division, hosting matches at the Parc des Princes.

1973: Average Attendance of 13,202

In the 1973 season, the first after leaving the merger, Paris FC still averaged an attendance of 13,202.

1978: Last Ligue 1 Season

In 1978, Paris FC last played in Ligue 1. The 1978-79 season marked their last appearance in the top flight.

1978: Return to First Division

In 1978, after four years in Division 2, Paris FC returned to the first division for the 1978–79 season.

December 1983: Alpha Group Founding

In December 1983, Pierre Ferracci founded the Alpha Group, which owns the consulting and auditing firm Alpha-Secafi and is a major shareholder of Paris FC.

1983: Merger with Racing Club de France

In 1983, Paris FC merged with Racing Club de France, leading to PFC's relegation to the fourth division.

1988: Return to Division 4

In 1988, after falling to the Division d'Honneur, Paris FC returned to Division 4.

2000: Relegation to Championnat de France amateur

In 2000, Paris FC finished 17th and were relegated to the Championnat de France amateur.

2006: Return to National League

In 2006, after six years in the Championnat de France amateur, Paris FC returned to the National league for the 2006–07 season.

2008: Blue Wolves Founding

In 2008, the Blue Wolves supporter group was founded.

2010: Blue Wolves Disbanded

In 2010, the Blue Wolves supporter group was disbanded after several hooligan incidents occurred.

2010: Old Clan Founded

In 2010, the supporter group Old Clan was founded, replacing the Blue Wolves.

2014: Promotion to Ligue 2

In 2014, after a successful 2014–15 campaign, Paris FC gained promotion to Ligue 2 alongside Red Star F.C.

2014: Ultras Lutetia Founded

In the summer of 2014, the ultras group Ultras Lutetia was founded.

2015: Regaining Professional Status

In 2015, Paris FC regained professional status after spending the majority of its existence in the amateur divisions.

2016: Relegation to Championnat National

In 2016, Paris FC was relegated back to the Championnat National after only one year in Ligue 2.

2017: Administrative Promotion to Ligue 2

In 2017, Paris FC was administratively promoted to Ligue 2 after SC Bastia were demoted for financial irregularities.

2018: Finished 8th in Ligue 2

For the 2017/2018 Ligue 2 season, Paris FC finished 8th in the table.

2018: Lost Play-Offs Against RC Lens

In 2018, Paris FC finished 4th and contested the play-offs against RC Lens, but lost the penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw.

July 2020: Strategic Partnership with Kingdom of Bahrain

In July 2020, the Kingdom of Bahrain became a new strategic economic partner of Paris FC, investing capital for 20 percent of the equity and becoming the main sponsor of the club.

August 2020: Violation of Regulations Regarding Relay Transfers

In August 2020, Paris FC violated regulations regarding relay transfers, which led to a transfer ban imposed by FIFA in April 2021.

April 2021: FIFA Transfer Ban

On April 2021, Paris FC, along with Angers, were handed a transfer ban by FIFA for violation of regulations regarding relay transfers in August 2020. The ban was effective for the summer 2021 transfer window.

October 2024: Reported Future Majority Ownership Stake by Arnault Family

In October 2024, it was reported that the Arnault family would purchase a future majority ownership stake along with a minority ownership by Red Bull GmbH.

2024: Majority Ownership by Arnault Family's Agache Sport

Since 2024, Paris FC has been majority-owned by the Arnault family's Agache Sport, holding 52.4% of the shares, making them one of the richest clubs in France.