Canal + still plays with the nerves of the LFP

For several months now, we can really say that TV rights are a real headache for the Professional Football League. Last summer, Mediapro and its “Téléfoot” channel made their debut after having acquired most of the audiovisual rights for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 in particular. But due to payment problems, the Sino-Spanish group had to throw in the towel, leaving the LFP and French clubs in a hurry. At the start of the year, Canal + therefore came to the rescue to finish the current financial year, but a new call for tenders had to be made for the coming seasons.

Finally, on Friday June 11, we learned that the duo Amazon–Canal + had won the bet for 2021-2024. The Canal group recovered two matches per day in Ligue 1 (Saturday 9 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m.). But it only lasted a few hours since in the same evening, the encrypted channel released a press release to announce its total withdrawal! A surprising decision which certainly put the LFP in all its forms. But three weeks later Canal + will once again have to break the silence.

Canal + not yet officially withdrawn

In today’s edition, The team takes stock of the TV rights situation concerning the French championships. Because in a few days, we will be one month away from the launch of the 2021-2022 Ligue 1 season, with the 1st day scheduled for August 8. The LFP will therefore have to release its TV program next week. Only problem, Canal + did not really signal its withdrawal to the French authority according to our colleagues … Today, the encrypted channel is therefore still part of the case and must normally choose a match on its two dates before Amazon.

But if Canal + keeps its line of conduct and really withdraws, the Professional Football League will have to find a solution very quickly. And in this case, the LFP will have to go and see bein Sports… The new Ligue 1 season has yet to start but there is still a lot of work behind the scenes. And once again, TV rights are at the heart of the news.