Why uncertainty over broadcasting rights threatens the future of French football

Thursday, 14 December 2023 Author: Daniel Green, Antoine Rifle

French football is at a crossroads. Following the early termination of a lucrative deal with Mediapro, and subsequent legal disputes between several broadcasters and the French professional football league (Ligue de Football Professionnel, LFP), the sale of Ligue 1’s broadcasting rights is once again under the spotlight.

This article examines the recent battles between the LFP and broadcasters before the French Competition Authority (FCA) and considers how these have played a part in the ongoing attempts of public authorities to save French professional football:

Where it all started: Mediapro’s demise and the LFP’s (excessive?) appetite
The view from the FCA: the LFP did not abuse its dominant position
The race to save French football: the approach to date
A crisis brewing for French professional football?

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Hits 1643 Posted in Media Rights | Competition | Sports | Football | Articles

Tags: Broadcasting | Competition Law | France | French Competition Authority | Ligue 1 | Media Rights

Written by

Daniel Green

Daniel is an Associate in the Antitrust & Foreign Investment Group of Linklaters in Paris.

He advises on all aspects of EU and French competition law, including litigation, antitrust compliances issues and merger control. His past experience also includes litigation before commercial courts in relation to contractual agreements and commercial arrangements.

Daniel assists clients from a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on technology, aerospace, life sciences and food retail.