April 16 – French football is once again teetering on the brink of a financial crisis after domestic media partner DAZN rejected a compromise to end the Ligue 1 broadcast deal.
During a meeting held by the LFP on April 15, Ligue 1’s board of directors agreed to end the contract at the end of the current campaign following intervention by a mediator, who recommended a compromise that would have seen the streaming platform pay the full amount it owes for this season, €140 million, and up to €125 million as a settlement fee. The four-year contract was valued at €1.6 billion.
In a brief statement, the LFP said: “LFP Media acknowledges the failure of the mediation process initiated in early March 2025. The contract between the parties remains in effect, and LFP Media expects its partner to fully fulfil all of its obligations under this agreement.”
Earlier this year, DAZN withheld half of its monthly payment to LFP, and also initiated legal action, seeking €573 million in compensation pertaining to alleged ‘contract breaches’ and ‘market dishonesty’. The streaming platform cited the LFP’s lack of support in fighting piracy. DAZN also alleged that the LFP didn’t do enough to promote its Ligue 1 coverage.
In a statement, DAZN said: “After four months of discussions – including six weeks of mediation – initiated in good faith by DAZN and involving several proposals, the mediation unfortunately did not succeed in sufficiently bridging the gap between the parties.
“It has therefore not been possible – at this stage – to reach an agreement for an amicable resolution of the situation.”
With the positions of the LFP and DAZN too far apart, French football could be bracing for an extended legal battle with cash-strapped clubs needing broadcast revenues desperately. It’s the second time that French football has faced a major rights deal collapse after a deal with Spanish company MediaPro fell apart just months into the 2020-21 season.
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