LFP TV rights: Canal+ sues the LFP to contest the call for tenders (hearing scheduled on 19/02/2021)

Canal+ is suing the French Professional Football League to contest the composition of the call for tenders launched by the League on 19/01/2021 according to information reported by the French sports media L'Equipe on 25/01/2021. A hearing on this matter is scheduled at the Paris Commercial Court on 19/02/2021. Canal+ can still participate in the call for tenders on 01/02/2021 and in case of being awarded lots, if the situation suits it, drop its legal complaint.

By launching a call for tenders only with lots previously attributed to Mediapro, the LFP had not acceded to Canal+'s request for a completely new call for tenders across all (at least linear) broadcasting lots, and wished to return its Lot 3 acquired via sublicense from beIN Sports France for €330m per year. However, beIN Sports had refused to return this lot to the League, according to L'Equipe.

The LFP launched two "market consultations" concerning the audiovisual rights for both the Ligue 1 Uber Eats and Ligue 2 BKT, on 19/01/2021. These consultations relate to the use of the rights initially allocated to Mediapro for…