The LFP had hoped to be allowed to sell its rights from the from 2008-09 season for a period of five years, rather than the current restriction of three years, in an attempt to entice telecoms operators to bid for rights.
Competition for rights from 2008-09 is uncertain following the merger of France’s two pay-operators, Canal Plus and TPS. The league’s present TV deal with Canal Plus is worth €600 million a year, but competition from TPS forced up the price.
The Conseil defended the current structure, saying that “the nature of the competition rules is an element that can only encourage applications to buy the rights.” It also said that other solutions could be explored by the league, for example, the introduction of a greater choice in the composition of the packages on offer, along the lines of tenders issued in other European countries.
