While the EBU is likely to be a strong bidder, there are concerns the European Commission may intervene to contest the way that the body negotiates for rights on behalf of its members.
The rights contracts are for the 2010 and 2012 Games.
This decision to go to tender, taken by the TV and Internet Rights Commission, chaired by IOC President Jacques Rogge, comes on the back of last year's successful US Olympic broadcast negotiations for 2010 and 2012, which were awarded to General Electric and NBC for a total package worth $2.2bn, and the subsequent high level of interest noted by the IOC in future Olympic rights in the European broadcast market.
In its tender process for Europe, the IOC will consider all options - that is, pan-European, multi-territory or country-by-country - and will ‘follow the same open and transparent procedures successfully implemented for the US market’.
The bids will be examined on April 23 in Lausanne by a working group chaired by the IOC president, who has asked Thomas Bach, IOC first vice-president, to conduct and coordinate the negotiations.
Said Rogge: “Given the momentum achieved last year with the negotiations in the US, and the ensuing high level of interest that was generated, particularly in Europe, the IOC has decided to approach the market and open a tender process in this region. We are looking forward to receiving proposals and are open for discussions with all parties across the continent."
