French football is in mourning following the announcement of André Préaud’s passing on Monday, June 29, at the age of 79. A former leader of US Orléans and the Professional Football League (LFP), he left a mark on several decades of French football through his commitment to the governing bodies and his beloved club. He held significant roles at the LFP, including president of the competitions commission from 1996 to 2024, during which he helped organize professional championships in France.
The LFP paid tribute to him in an official statement released this Thursday. The governing body of French professional football honored the memory of a central figure in its internal workings. “The Professional Football League learned with great sadness of André Préaud’s passing. A committed and recognized figure in French football, André Préaud dedicated a large part of his life to serving our sport,” the organization wrote. This message highlights the longevity of his commitment and his constant involvement in the work of the governing bodies.
The LFP also emphasized the human and professional qualities of the late Préaud, highlighting his role in the stability and evolution of national competitions. “Appreciated for his rigor, sense of dialogue, and understanding of football issues, André Préaud contributed over the years to the smooth operation and development of our competitions,” the League added in its statement. This official recognition reflects the influence he wielded in managing and overseeing professional football in France for a long time.
At US Orléans, the club he was particularly attached to, the emotion is also strong. An emblematic figure of the club, he served as vice-president and then delegated president, remaining very present around the first team.
The club wanted to remind everyone of his deep attachment to USO, which he regularly followed from the stands of the La Source stadium. “He carried USO in his heart and never missed a first-team match at Stade de la Source. His presence in the stands was part of the scenery, and his absence will be deeply felt,” US Orléans wrote in their tribute.
The Professional Football League learned with great sadness of André Préaud’s passing.
A committed and recognized figure in French football, André Préaud dedicated a large part of his life to serving our sport. A former leader of US Orléans, he made his mark… pic.twitter.com/BCKzKfAFc9
— Ligue de Football Professionnel (@LFPfr) July 2, 2026
André Préaud’s funeral is scheduled for Friday, July 10. His passing leaves a void within US Orléans and the LFP, where he held lasting responsibilities that shaped the management of professional competitions in France.
