The dispute revolves around how to share the Eur200 million related to the size of a club's supporter base. Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Napoli and AS Roma insist that, according to the 2008 'Melandri law' which re-imposed collective selling of media rights, only one club preference per supporter should be taken into consideration.
The smaller clubs argued for a wider interpretation which allows for the fact that fans often support two or more clubs. According to TV Sports Markets, the government's legislative office said that the position of the big clubs was the correct interpretation of the law. The smaller clubs appear reluctant, however, to give up the fight.
Udinese pointed out that the view is not legally binding, while Lazio owner Claudio Lotito suggested that the matter should be taken to the Council of State, the country's highest administrative court. Meanwhile, the second division, Lega Serie B, said that it had received no offers for its live digital-terrestrial rights for next season by Friday's deadline.
It will now enter into private negotiations. Interested broadcasters must contact the league by 18:00 local time on Tuesday. For all the latest TV sports rights news visit www.tvsportsmarkets.com/news.
