The conflict involving BeInSports and the Professional Football League (LFP) continues to escalate, highlighting the financial and media stakes of broadcasting Ligue 1. While the Qatari channel currently airs one match per round, the issues of remuneration and broadcasting rights remain unresolved.
BeInSports and LFP: A Climate of Tension
Currently, BeInSports has not paid a single cent to the Ligue 1 clubs since the beginning of the season. Although the channel broadcasts one match each week, it has not signed a contract with the LFP, raising questions about the legitimacy of its broadcasts. This situation generates deep dissatisfaction among club presidents, who have been awaiting a payment of around 25 million euros since August 31.
The failure to provide remuneration directly impacts the finances of clubs, which are in need. The president of Stade de Reims, Jean-Pierre Caillot, emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement to resolve this deadlock and highlighted the necessity of signing a contract to access the owed funds.
The Difficulties of Sub-Licensing
The LFP’s refusal to allow BeInSports to sub-license its match to another channel is the main source of conflict. This decision limits the Qatari channel’s opportunities to maximize its revenue and, consequently, to meet its financial obligations.
Jean-Pierre Caillot stated that allowing BeInSports to sub-license its match could set a precedent, encouraging other channels like DAZN to claim similar rights, thus complicating the situation for the LFP and the clubs.
Canal+ Enters the Scene
Despite the current tension, discussions around a potential co-broadcast with Canal+ have emerged. If BeInSports obtains the right to sub-license, the encrypted channel could acquire the Saturday match at 5 p.m. without negotiating directly with the LFP.
However, this option does not satisfy the club presidents who, for now, reject this scenario. The situation may not evolve as long as the financial and media concerns remain unresolved.
In summary, the standoff between BeInSports and the LFP highlights the challenges broadcasters face in managing television rights and the urgent need for Ligue 1 clubs to receive the funds owed to them to ensure their financial viability.
Source : www.foot01.com