A short press release for a strong message. The LFP (Professional Football League) has decided to sanction Russia, in its own way, by suspending, in agreement with BeIN Sport, the broadcasting of Ligue 1 in Russia. It will therefore no longer be possible for Russian viewers to continue to follow the French Championship. Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the sanctions continue to fall at all levels. The Russian national team had already been excluded from the next World Cup in Qatar and clubs from European competitions by FIFA and UEFA.
“The LFP has decided to suspend the Ligue 1 Uber Eats broadcasting contract in Russia from this day on the Match TV channel”, writes the LFP in its press release. Channel Match TV is owned by the Russian energy giant Gazprom.
China halts Premier League broadcast in support of Russia
England could quickly follow France. The Premier League is also considering the suspension or even the termination of its broadcasting contract for its broadcasting rights with Russia. The matches are currently broadcast on the Okko streaming platform. Match TV has signed a six-year broadcasting contract starting from the 2022-2023 season. “It is clear that these contracts are under review,” Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told a forum hosted by the Financial Times. We examine the contracts very closely in their conditions of suspension or termination. It is happening right now. The situation is changing rapidly. »
But in the other direction, the Premier League could also be impacted by this conflict over TV rights. China, an ally of Russia, has decided to stop the broadcast of the Premier League to support it. China will not broadcast the next Premier League matchday on its channels in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
