The Tunisian Football Federation has granted Ligue 1 clubs permission to broadcast their opening weekend fixtures on their own media platforms.
Under the ruling, teams hosting matches in the first round of the new season will be allowed to stream the games through their official digital channels.
The decision applies only to this weekend’s fixtures, marking a temporary arrangement at the start of the campaign.
The move follows the federation’s recent announcement inviting bids for the digital broadcasting rights to Ligue 1 matches over the next three seasons.
The tender process, unveiled last week, is aimed at securing a long-term partner to handle online streaming of domestic league games.
By allowing clubs to manage their own coverage for the first round, the federation has provided an interim solution while discussions over the broadcasting contract continue.
This arrangement ensures that fans can still follow their teams from the opening whistle, even before a centralised streaming service is in place.
The decision is expected to benefit both clubs and supporters.
Teams will have the opportunity to connect directly with their fan bases through their own digital platforms, potentially expanding their reach and generating additional engagement.
For fans, the move offers a convenient and immediate way to watch their side in action without relying on external broadcasters.
The federation has not confirmed whether similar permissions will be granted beyond the first matchday.
Once the rights tender is concluded, the chosen broadcaster is likely to assume responsibility for coverage across the league, ending the temporary club-led arrangement.
Tunisian Ligue 1, the country’s top-flight competition, is preparing for another competitive season, with clubs eager to start strongly.
While the league has previously relied on television partnerships for its media coverage, the new focus on digital rights reflects a growing shift towards online platforms in sports broadcasting.
For now, the first-day matches will serve as a trial of sorts for club-run streaming, testing the capacity of their media teams and the level of fan engagement such direct coverage can achieve.
As the federation works to finalise a multi-year deal for digital broadcasting, the coming weekend will offer a glimpse into a more decentralised approach — one where clubs themselves take the lead in delivering the game to their supporters.
