Italy: a battle between RAI and Mediaset for the broadcast of a free-to-air Champions League match

The Italian public service broadcaster RAI is challenging an agreement between the pay-TV operator Sky Italia and the free and pay-TV group Mediaset concerning the broadcasting rights in Italy of a free-to-air Champions League match over the 2019-2021 period, according to the Italian press on 29/07/2019.

RAI had sub-licensed these rights from Sky Italia for the 2018-19 season, with an option for the following two seasons on 25/01/2018. While the public audiovisual group wished to exercise its option, Sky refused and negotiated a more lucrative agreement with Mediaset.

The Milan court ruled in Sky Italia's favour on 26/06/2019 and RAI appealed against this decision, according to the Italian press on 29/07/2019.

• In the initial agreement (on 25/01/2018) between RAI and Sky Italia, it was written that the pay-TV operator could refuse to exercise the option if its situation in the football rights market changed significantly during the time period.
  
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