Fox Sports pulls out of running for Chilean football channel

Pay-television broadcaster Fox Sports has withdrawn its offer to acquire Canal del Fútbol, the broadcaster that has exclusive rights to domestic football in Chile, according to Chilean newspaper El Mercurio.

Last month it was reported that sports broadcaster ESPN and beIN Media Group had also submitted proposals to invest in the channel, with its operator, the Chilean Football Association (ANFP), weighing up the options.

The report from El Mercurio added that media company Turner is also interested in the channel, but there is a deadline of the end of March for the deal to be sealed.

The ANFP has an 80-per-cent stake in the channel, with businessman Jorge Claro holding the other 20 per cent.

It had previously been reported that Fox and ESPN were interested in acquiring 80 per cent of the channel, while beIN Media Group was interested in a 100-per-cent buy-out.

The ANFP’s member clubs must approve the final transaction.