Facebook set for Champions League rights in Brazil – reports

Social media platform Facebook has acquired rights to the Uefa Champions League in Brazil, according to multiple reports, while sports broadcaster Esporte Interativo has extended its deal for the European club football competition.

The deals, which will cover the three seasons spanning 2018-19 to 2020-21, have not been officially confirmed, but have been reported as being sealed by both the UOL website and Maquina do Esporte.

Esporte Interativo will maintain pay-television rights to the Champions League, while Facebook will pick up the free-to-air package previously held by media company Globo, which reportedly did not attempt to renew its deal.

Details of how coverage of matches would be split between Esporte Interativo and Facebook is at present unclear, but both parties have an ongoing business relationship.

In October, Esporte Interativo agreed a partnership with Facebook to enhance coverage of the Campeonato Brasileiro de Aspirantes club football competition. Esporte Interativo is the broadcast partner for the tournament, which is sanctioned by the Brazilian Football Confederation.