FRANCE: TOWARDS A STANDOFF BETWEEN CANAL + AND BEIN FOR TV RIGHTS?
According to footmercato.net, the sale of television rights to the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League for the period 2015-2018 could lead to a clash between broadcasters in France. UEFA has already initiated the call for tenders for these rights, despite the current European competitions not yet being concluded.
The situation could once again pit the broadcasters Canal+ and beIN Sports against each other, as they currently share the rights to the Champions League in France. Footmercato.net speculates that both channels may compete aggressively to secure exclusivity and comprehensive coverage of the prestigious European competitions, including the European Super Cup.
Drawing on the example of BT Sport in England, which paid €1 billion for exclusive rights to the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, footmercato.net wonders whether Canal+ and beIN Sports will follow suit. Currently, Canal+ pays €50 million and beIN Sports pays €60 million for their respective shares of the Champions League rights.
Interested broadcasters have until April 7 to submit their offers to UEFA. Regardless of the outcome, UEFA stands to receive another substantial sum from the sale of television rights.
