Canal+ and beIN Sports are set for major fight for the lucrative rights to French Top 14 rugby.
According to Le Figaro, this follows a decision by the Court of Appeal in Paris confirming the Competition Authority suspension in July of the broadcasting contract for the rights for the period 2014-2019.
Earlier this year, Canal+ signed a record €355 million deal with France’s National Rugby League (LNR) for the rights.
Although the ruling does not affect the 2014-2015 season, which has already started, the LNR must now complete a new tender for the 2015-2019 seasons before March 31 next year.
The Competition Authority regards the original agreement between LNR and Canal+ as anti-competitive and the two signatories now face the prospect of being fined.
