The Commercial Court of Paris has rejected a bid by Canal+ and Bein Sports over the re-auction of rights to Ligue 1 football.
Rights for the 2020-24 football seasons had been awarded to Mediapro, but later collapsed after the Spanish rights broker was unable to meet the terms of the deal.
The Court recognised the consultation run in January by the LFP, which it said were in line with the obligations set out under the sports code and competiion law.
The Tribunal deemed the LFP to be within its rights to run a competitive tender process.
The Commercial Court of Paris rendered its judgment today as part of the dispute which opposes the PFA to Canal +, in the presence of Bein Sports.
In a statement the LFP said it hoped the decision would reassure future rights bidders and allow for an untroubled return to the negotiating table for the 2021-24 seasons.
However Canal, which picked up the rights to the rest of the season in addition to the contested Lot 3, immediately said it would appeal, arguing the move would prevent inequalities in the future.
