Paris (AFP)

The alliance between Canal + and beIN Sports took the lead in the wing: the Qatari assigned Thursday Canal + to force it to pay EUR 332 million for the two matches per day of Ligue 1, opening a new front judiciary in TV rights record.

Is this the sign of the end of a marriage of convenience that had lasted for more than 3 years both broadcasters Stu?

"Hard to say, but I think it should be understood that beIN Sport Channel and agree on the substance, a priori not on form," said a source close deus broadcasters.

The fund is known: since mid-June and the award by the LFP 80% of L1 matches the US giant Amazon Prime, Canal + is still furious.

The encrypted string is found in fact to have to pay EUR 332 million for two matches per day L1 (those Saturday night and Sunday 17.00), then Amazon will broadcast 8 matches per day to 259 million euros.

- "Dangerous Tango" -

"An economic distortion that can suit anyone. The LFP knows, broadcasters know it," says this source.

Canal + had nevertheless done everything to avoid being in this situation by entering the Commercial Court and the Competition Authority to the batch including two games (lot 3) is put into play at the tender in mid-June following the failure of the former broadcaster Mediapro.

But it was rejected twice.

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Hours after awarding matches by the LFP Amazon, Canal + had suddenly announced noisily its willingness to withdraw from the L1.

Except that Canal + is linked with beIN Sports, who has sub-licensed in 2018 both matches it broadcasts.

And it is beIN Sports that directly pays the LFP.

"Since mid-June, it's a dangerous tango between beIN and Canal, or a game three with the LFP very volatile," said one market expert requesting anonymity.

On Tuesday, the string of the Vivendi group sent a letter to him explaining beIN Sports will suspend its contract with the Qatari.

But Canal + did not merely because this mail has not honored the first Contract deals with beIN Sports of nearly 500,000 euros.

"It is marginal compared to the contract but it is a first failure," said the source.

"This is a complicated situation for Canal that is at war against the LFP, but in refusing to pay puts to overhang partner", summarizes a source close to the sports bodies.

A first breach of contract which in any case prompted the Qatari chain to react.

beIN Sports therefore assigned Thursday referred Canal + before the Nanterre Commercial Court to force it to respect his contract, a source close to the negotiations.

- "Catastrophe" -

"It's also a way to explain to Canal +, even if it includes his fight, beIN must also defend its interests" analysis that source.

The courts should give direction of what could happen to the resumption of the championship due to start on 6 August.

The day before, Canal + is supposed to pay about 55 euros millios beIN Sports.

"And if Channel does not pay, it will be a disaster," provides this expert market.

"The purpose of Channel is to create maximum chaos that moves. They may well not pay and do not distribute", assured on Tuesday a source close to the matter.

The risk of a black screen for these two matches of lot 3 is well and truly.

Like that of a fierce divorce between beIN Sport and Canal + which, joined by AFP, did not wish to comment.

© 2021 AFP