DAZN-LFP: the point of non-return reached

The situation between Dazn, the main broadcaster of Ligue 1, and the Professional Football League (LFP) took an alarming turning point. What looked like a simple trade disagreement now seems to fire the open crisis. On the eve of an exceptional board of directors scheduled for Wednesday, the British platform chose to pay only 50 % of its February deadline, 35 million euros, while the rest was placed under receivers.

A climate of rupture between Dazn and the LFP

If the rupture seems inevitable at first glance, it is actually a legal battle that is committed. Dazn criticizes the LFP a lack of efficiency in the fight against hacking and an insufficient commitment of clubs in the creation of editorial content. In response, the LFP seized the Paris Commercial Court in summary proceedings, requiring the total payment of the deadline before February 14. The hearing is set for this Friday.

This showdown is reminiscent of the spectrum of the Mediapro case, even if the LFP is reassuring. “The League has learned from the past and will be able to enforce its contracts”says an internal source. However, the situation remains worrying for many clubs. This payment is essential for cash, in particular for the payment of wages and current charges.

Meanwhile, BeIN Sports, the other diffuser of Ligue 1, honored its commitments, leaving Dazn isolated. The platform, which struggles to achieve its subscriber objectives in France (around 500,000 against 1.5 million hoped), seems to use this deadline as a pressure lever to renegotiate its conditions.

Divided clubs and growing concerns

While some club presidents remain confident as to a quick resolution, others are starting to consider scenarios in the event of lasting failure. “For me, it is inconceivable that the money is not on the club account next Monday”said a leader at RMC Sport.

PSG, because of its European income, is less exposed, but for other clubs more dependent on domestic TV rights, the situation is critical. This dispute, which initially seems purely contractual, could well turn into a new TV rights crisis, threatening the financial stability of French football.

While the board of directors is preparing to discuss the follow-up to be given, a question remains unanswered: will Ligue 1 be up of a new media and financial storm?