Both broadcasters will be granted a package of rights comprising the first choice of live matches plus highlights on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights, together with the UEFA Champions League weekly magazine programme.
RTL-TVI is the leading free to air broadcaster in the French speaking part of Belgium, and the current UEFA Champions League rights holder for that market, while VTM is one of the leading commercial broadcasters in the Flemish speaking area.
UEFA received what it described as “impressive offers” from four major free to air broadcasters, including state broadcasters RTBF and VRT.
The Flemish speaking rights for the competition have been held by VRT since its inception in 1992. However, for the 2006-2009 period the offer submitted by VTM was considered superior to VRT’s.
Bids were also received in respect of pay-TV rights. However, the levels of these offers were said to not match UEFA’s expectations and it was decided not to finalise any arrangements to allow further negotiations.
