Ofcom has launched an inquiry into whether the sale of live UK audio-visual media rights to Premier League matches is in breach of UK or European Competition law.
It follows September’s complaint by cablenet Virgin Media claiming that the current process was causing consumer harm.
UK rights to the Premier League are currently held jointly by BSkyB and BT, who hold five and two packages respectively.
Ofcom has opened an investigation under section 25 of the Act into the joint selling arrangements by the PL for live UK audio-visual media rights for Premier League football matches.
The regulator says it is not drawing any conclusions as to whether or not the arrangements are in breach of competition law.
One of the cablenet’s prime concerns is that the proportion of matches made available for live television broadcast under the current Premier League rights deals – at 41% – is lower than some other leading European leagues, where more matches are available for live television broadcast.
Ofcom will also be looking at the scheduling of matches, which it says is of particular concern to fans attending Saturday 3pm kick-offs. It plans to approach the Football Supporters’ Federation and certain other supporters’ groups to understand their views.
