Sponsorships are a huge part of football and the money they generate can prove to be invaluable to clubs.
Regardless of stature, the income generated from TV deals is of huge importance to many football clubs around the world as it represents a large chunk of the revenue received year on year. Bettors also like to be able to watch the games live on TV, whilst using sites such as www.bettingsites24.ng to find the best bookmakers to place their bets with.
However, it seems TV rights in France could be about to hit a problem many would have hoped to have avoided. Mediapro, who own the rights to broadcast Ligue 1 football in the country, have revealed that they want to renegotiate the financial deal they have in place.
Although they are only months into the deal, Mediapro are claiming the value of the deal has already been adversely impacted because of the global situation.
They are understood to be paying €780 million (US$916.8 million) per season for its Ligue 1 contract and is also the lead partner alongside BeIN Sports in the €64 million (US$72.9 million) a year deal for Ligue 2 rights, but now want to seek a change.
They paid the first instalment of the season in August worth €172.3 million (US$200.5 million), however they will not make the second payment, which was due on 5th October, and that it is looking to reduce its contribution.
“We have asked to speak about our contract this season because of Covid-19,” said Jaume Roures, chief executive of Mediapro. “It is obvious that Covid is affecting a lot of aspects of our being able to exploit our rights. We want to talk about that.”
He added: “We want to renegotiate the contract for this season. It has been very affected by Covid-19, everyone knows because everyone is suffering through it. We are not questioning the project as it is. But the bars and restaurants are closed, advertising is down – these are things that everyone knows.”
The LFP released a statement confirming the payment delay, but have also revealed that they have rejected the request as they continue to work to ensure clubs are paid what they are owed by 17th October.
Roures did not suggest a more suitable fee but also pointed out that the LFP has asked the French government for compensation as a result of the losses caused by the pandemic.
Seeking to strike an amiable tone, Roures insisted Mediapro is not seeking to cancel its contract.
“The contract was established in conditions that are completely different to the current situation,” he added. “That is obvious. We need to speak about it. Aside from that, we will see how it ends up. We are not putting into question the contract, but we are putting into question the current situation.”
It will be an interesting couple of days!
