A new crisis surrounding TV rights is brewing in French football as DAZN, the primary broadcaster for Ligue 1, reportedly paid only half of the expected domestic TV rights fees to clubs this month. This information comes from reports in L’Equipe.
The relationship between the LFP, the governing body of Ligue 1, and DAZN appears to be severely strained, making another TV rights disruption increasingly likely. RMC Sport reported that an emergency meeting of Ligue 1 club presidents was urgently convened to address the situation.
L’Equipe suggests that DAZN’s discontent stems from the LFP’s perceived inaction in combating illegal streaming and piracy. Furthermore, DAZN is allegedly dissatisfied with Ligue 1 clubs for their limited contribution of editorial content to the broadcaster. As a result, DAZN only disbursed €35 million in TV rights payments to Ligue 1 clubs in February, despite an anticipated €70 million. The remaining €35 million has reportedly been withheld by DAZN.
The LFP has refuted DAZN’s claims and has officially taken legal action, summoning the broadcaster to court to demand full payment of the outstanding TV rights money, according to AFP reports.