Live rights to French top flight football are in limbo after Mediapro and the Professional Football League (LFP) agreed to terminate their contract after a dispute between the two companies boiled over.
It now seems likely the Telefoot channel that had been broadcasting Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches since the start of the season will close by January 31, 2021 at the latest with the loss of up to 150 jobs. The LFP is now in talks with Canal+, who will purchase the contract for considerably less than the €800 million paid by Mediapro.
Mediafoot, which licensed the established Telefoot brand from broadcaster TF1, had managed to convince 600,000 subscribers despite criticism over the high price of a subscription.
Subscribers are paying €25.90 per month for the channel that also includes French championships and European cup competitions to which Mediapro has also secured the rights.
If the channel is able to maintain its service up to the winter break then it will avoid a clause whereby subscribers who paid up front for a year’s subscription would be able to claim back their fees.
Previously, Canal+ was seen as the leader for premium sports content, with Bein, and RMC also contenders.
