Following Canal Plus, fellow broadcaster beIN Sports has informed the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) that they will suspend payments for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 rights until the competitions resume.
According to SportBusiness, the Qatar-based broadcaster was expected to make a payment of €42 million on April 5, but that won’t be happening after “careful consideration.” The issue stems from the fact both leagues have been suspended since March 13, due to the coronavirus pandemic that has put a halt to football around the world.
SportBusiness also claims to have read the letter sent from beIN Sports to LFP chief executive Didier Quillot, which cited a “total lack of real visibility on the actual resumption of matches in the current season” as the reason they are suspending their scheduled payment.
In addition to the €42 million in April, the LFP will likely be without another €55 million from beIN Sports on June 5. The amount Canal Plus is withholding due to the lack of French football matches to broadcast is €110 million.
The lack of revenue from broadcasting rights will have a devastating financial impact on Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 teams with some believing that clubs could go bankrupt without government assistance.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
