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29 March 2024

Al Jazeera buy into French football's League 1

A file photo of French defender Jeremy Morel. French giants Marseille are set to sign defender Jeremy Morel from Ligue 1 rivals Lorient the buying club announced on June 19, 2011 (AFP)

Published
By AFP

Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera entered the French football market for the first time on Thursday, buying a share of the rights for Ligue 1 matches for the period 2012-2016.

Al Jazeera, which last month secured the international rights for Ligue 1, are understood to have paid 90million euros for one of the five lots that were sold by the league.

French satellite channel Canal Plus, a traditional partner of the league, acquired the other four lots which were sold for 420million euros.

"Al Jazeera is a respectable partner, respected throughout the world, which has entered into a long-term partnership," said league president Frederic Thiriez.

Canal Plus is expected to broadcast two weekend matches, on Saturday at 1700 local time and Sunday evening, while Al Jazeera can broadcast two matches, one on Friday evening and Sunday at 1400.

The result of the auction went against the desire of two French government ministers. Sports Minister Chantal Jouanno and Budget Minister Francois Baroin had both come out in favour of keeping football within the remit of French operators.

"I am surprised by this kind of chatter," said Thiriez. "We make no discrimination between the candidates and we are proud to tie up a partnership with such a respected international broadcaster."

He said Al Jazeera would be setting up a new sports channel -- possibly in conjunction with an existing French operator -- to broadcast the matches.

Another four lots covering mobile rights and pay-per-view were not sold as they failed to reach the reserve price.

"We will think again on the commercialisation of these lots," said Thiriez.

The acquisition of the television rights follows the Qatari takeover of Ligue 1 heavyweights Paris St Germain last month. The new head of the board at PSG is Nasser-al Khelaifi who also happens to be the president of Al Jazeera.