Ligue 1 set to introduce All-Star match, e-sports initiative

French Football League (LFP) executive director general Didier Quillot confirmed to reporters Wednesday that Ligue 1 is set to introduce an All-Star match for next season, as well as branch out into the world of e-sports.

Major League Soccer has held an annual All-Star Game since its inaugural season in 1996, and Ligue 1 is looking to replicate MLS' 1998 model of pitting the league's best domestic talents against the best foreign players in an exhibition fixture.

"The principle of a project such as an All-Star Game was adopted," Quillot said, according to ESPN FC. "The date, the place, and the broadcaster are still to be clarified."

The LFP is also looking into breaking into the growing e-sports market, a competitive professional level of video gaming that has garnered massive interest around the world.

Presumably, the league's e-sports presence would focus on EA Sports' FIFA video game franchise, though professional football clubs have employed pro gamers for other games such as League of Legends in the past.

A statement by the LFP explains: "The LFP's administrative council has given the go-ahead to look into launching two innovative projects: the French e-sport Championship and the All-Star game, which would bring Ligue 1's best players together.

"At a time when e-sports are experiencing a boom in France, the LFP - in conjunction with EA Sports, who make the hugely successful FIFA football games - is looking into launching an innovative competition that includes all 20 Ligue 1 clubs."