❮
❯
VIRAL EXCLUSIVE
Oct. 9, 2024
Canal+ Wins Ligue 1 Broadcast Rights Dispute
The French judiciary system, has ruled in favour of Canal+ in its joint dispute with beIN Sports against the Professional Football League (LFP).
France - The Cour de cassation, France’s
highest court, has ruled in favour of Canal+ in its dispute with the
Professional Football League (LFP) over the broadcast rights to Ligue 1. This
decision overturns a February 2023 ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal, which
had dismissed Canal+'s claim. The case cantered on the LFP’s decision to
allocate 80% of Ligue 1 matches to Amazon for €250 million per season, while
Canal+ was required to pay €332 million per season for the remaining 20% of
matches.
The dispute
began when Mediapro, initially awarded the rights, defaulted on its payments.
Canal+ argued that the LFP should have re-tendered the entire rights package
instead of directly awarding the majority to Amazon. The Cour de cassation’s
ruling is seen as a significant victory for Canal+, which had previously faced
multiple legal setbacks in this matter.
Despite the
ruling, the LFP stated that there would be no immediate consequences and
expressed confidence that the complaints would be rejected again upon returning
to the Paris Court of Appeal. Meanwhile, Canal+ has opted not to bid for the
domestic rights to Ligue 1 for the 2024-2029 period, with DAZN emerging as the
new major broadcaster.
