broadcasting

DAZN needs to cancel its Ligue 1 broadcasting contract

In response to a report from , DAZN, the primary broadcaster of Ligue 1 in France, needs to cancel its contract on the finish of the season. 

Since agreeing to take over the home broadcasting rights in the summertime, tensions between the Ligue de Soccer Professionnel (LFP) and the British broadcaster have turn out to be strained. 

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. The broadcaster withheld €35 million (which was later paid) because of be distributed to Ligue 1 golf equipment. DAZN had grown annoyed that the LFP had not allotted their assets to the battle in opposition to piracy, whereas sure golf equipment lacked the willingness to take part when it comes to content material. 

DAZN are dismayed that their Ligue 1 package deal has solely attracted 500,000 subscribers in a rustic of 68 million, and at this charge, the variety of subscribers is considerably under the quantity wanted for the broadcaster to interrupt even (which is suspected to be 1.5 million).

RMC Sport writes that since this dispute in February, discussions between the league and its principal broadcaster have been ongoing with the help of a mediator, and whereas the dialogue is much much less belicose, there has not been any notable progress. 

The mediator reportedly informed the league that DAZN’s issues over product promotion had been comprehensible as golf equipment had been implementing entry restrictions on their principal broadcaster. DAZN are thought to have offered an motion plan that may see extra unique interviews with high-profile gamers and entry to extra unique filming areas. 

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Nonetheless, DAZN consider that this motion plan has not been adopted sufficiently and that they’re nonetheless being denied entry by sure golf equipment. Moreover, they’re nonetheless ready for the flexibility to strengthen their anti-piracy assets. 

Frustrations within the mediation course of are starting to construct, and DAZN are significantly contemplating terminating its contract as quickly as attainable, and at the least a 12 months sooner than its two-season exit clause (which is simply capable of be triggered in December of this 12 months).

The league have put ahead the concept of putting a lot harsher penalties or fines on golf equipment that don’t meet their media commitments, however this has not satisfied DAZN. If DAZN do comply with via with their menace, there may very well be a big authorized battle, because the LFP will need to implement the monetary commitments that the broadcaster has made. 

Ligue 1 golf equipment set to overlook out on one other fee?

RMC Sport suggests there may be an amicable answer, and DAZN might waive a clause stopping the LFP from discussing a plan B with rival broadcasters. For now, the mediation continues, however eyes will likely be turned to April the thirtieth when the broadcaster is about to pay the league the subsequent instalment, considered value round €70 million. 

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