Quebec open to taking a stake in CF Montréal, but rules out subsidies, premier says

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said Tuesday (November 10) that the government will not rule out becoming a shareholder in CF Montréal, but will not offer subsidies to keep the club in the city. The premier said no proposal is on the government's table yet, but “a responsible government cannot close the door before looking at the projects in question,” and pledged to study whatever investors present.

A business decision first; no blank cheques

Speaking to reporters in Quebec City, Plamondon said the government has ended the era of open-ended business subsidies. “We will not write a subsidy cheque for money we will never see again,” he said. He stressed that keeping the club in Montreal is first and foremost a business decision for private investors; Stéphane Paquet, the minister responsible for Montreal, is also involved in the discussions. What entity the government might invest through, and for what stake, is far from decided.

The sale process and the club's season

Owner Joey Saputo announced Monday the launch of a structured sale process, ending more than three decades of family ownership, with priority given to Quebec-based buyers but relocation not ruled out. Forbes' 2026 MLS team valuations rank CF Montréal last at about $440 million. The club has just finished the worst season in its history: last in the Eastern Conference with six wins, 20 losses and eight draws in 34 matches, for 26 points. Montreal city hall told AFP it wants, above all, Quebec investors who care about the club's future to take over so it can keep growing in Montreal.

Sources: TVA Sports, RDS, AFP.