The European Commission (EC) is challenging the UEFA over the way it sells the television rights to football games to broadcasters in Europe. Currently, free-to-air and pay-TV rights are sold to a single television network in each country.
Champions’ League Rights
Free TV
Pay-TV
UK
ITV
ITV Digital
Italy
Mediaset
Stream
Spain
TVE
Canal+
France
TF1
Canal+/TPS
Germany
RTL
Premiere
Source: ABN Amro
The EC says that it believes the sale of rights to a single broadcaster in each country may be in contravention with European Union law, particularly as the contracts often last several years. The Commission claims that these deals may restrict the amount of televised football available in each country and force prices up. The exclusivity of the contracts may also deter new entrants the television market.
UEFA has three months to reply to the Commission’s objections.
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