Canal Plus rule out Ligue 1 broadcasting rights offer | OneFootball

DAZN have been vocally unhappy with the current state of affairs having purchased the broadcasting rights for the current Ligue 1 cycle (2024-29). That discontent manifested itself in the decision to withhold a €35m payment from the LFP last month. Ultimately, DAZN paid the sum but the resolution of that particular dispute, which came just days before a court hearing on the topic, somewhat papers over the cracks.

Given the dissatisfaction on both sides, there have been rumours of a return for Canal Plus, the historic broadcaster of Ligue 1. Speaking to L’Équipe last week, LFP President Vincent Labrune opened the door to a return for Canal Plus, should they “wish to broadcast Ligue 1 at its fair value.”

He added, “But, for now, they have not wished to do that and we cannot force them.”  The door now has been firmly shut by Canal Plus. The broadcaster’s president, Maxime Saada, said the following during an interview with Le Figaro: “The conditions are absolutely not aligned for Canal+’s return in this deal.”

The prospect of Canal Plus making an immediate return has therefore been ruled out. It is unclear under what conditions the broadcaster would return to the negotiating table.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle