France Télévisions likely to relinquish Coupe de France free-to-air rights amid cuts | OneFootball

France Télévisions is likely to relinquish free-to-air rights to the Coupe de France after a new budget framework forced further savings, leaving the FFF facing a hurried search for a replacement broadcaster. The outgoing deal, which expired in June, covered one match per round from the round of 32.

Le Monde reports that president Delphine Ernotte acknowledged the contract was at risk and said the group would keep renegotiating programme costs and sports rights, so some competitions might not be renewed. Public channels must deliver additional savings of 47 million euros in 2027, taking total cuts to 90 million euros.

Internal signals at France Télévisions suggest the choice to drop the competition is almost made, despite its emblematic mix of amateur and professional football. The FFF has not been formally notified, still hopes for a solution, but trust has ebbed since president Philippe Diallo’s June belief that a quick agreement was close. There is faint hope that public authorities could help unlock the stalemate.

In talks, France Télévisions had already sought to halve its contract to 4 million euros per year, down from 8 million euros, having previously cut it from 11 million euros. The FFF is unwilling to concede further and would likely turn to other bidders if France Télévisions confirms its withdrawal.

beIN Sports, the other current broadcaster, has not yet signed its pay-TV contract. The Franco-Qatari network offered 8 million euros a year until 2030, then increased to 9 million euros after a final negotiation led by Diallo. It has confirmed it will show the competition on its channels this season.

Source: L'Équipe

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