Paris (AFP)

The call for tenders for the exploitation of the audiovisual rights of the Top 14 for four seasons from 2023-2024, launched about ten days ago, surprised as much as annoyed some club presidents.

Three lots, a reserve price set at 105 million euros: launched two and a half years from the deadline, the LNR's call for tenders caught the leaders of the Top 14 clubs by surprise, disconcerted by the timing of this announcement, at the heart of a global health and economic crisis and while Canal + was engaged in a standoff with football.

"Canal + is the historic broadcaster, everyone is aware of its importance for rugby. But, personally, I was very surprised that this call for tenders saw the light of day without the majority of presidents in be informed ", deplores the president of Agen Jean-François Fonteneau to AFP.

Five presidents, those of UBB, Toulouse, Racing 92, Castres and Lyon, were in fact part of the steering committee which took part in drawing up the call for tenders.

But not the others.

"This sidelining of the majority of presidents is shocking," said another leader, also "surprised by the process a few weeks before the LNR elections".

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"It is surprising that this project is not carried by the team which will be able to preside over the destinies of the NRL," added Fonteneau.

The elections for the presidency of the League have in fact been set for March 23, the date of submission of candidatures to be made between February 5 and 19.

"It is usual for all calls for tenders to be launched very early in relation to the end of the contract. The last call for tenders, for the 2019-2023 rights, had been made in April 2016. It was to say a little more than three years. There, we are two and a half years from the deadline. It leaves time, before the end of the contract, not to get stuck without having room for maneuver. visibility in the medium term, "the current president of the LNR Paul Goze has already replied to AFP.

According to AFP information, the reserve price was set by a specialized French company, Cornerplay.

It would be below reality French rugby having been able to hope for at least 120 million euros, according to some observers.

"They do not know the file well," retorts from the side of the League.

An information meeting has since calmed the spirits, also believe various participants.

"Things have calmed down today but there may be developments."

© 2021 AFP