The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) has officially launched a legal battle against DAZN, demanding payment of outstanding TV rights fees. The conflict escalated during an emergency board meeting on Wednesday, where PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi urged Ligue 1 club presidents to negotiate directly with Len Blavatnik, DAZN’s principal shareholder.
LFP Takes DAZN to Court Over Unpaid TV Rights
The LFP has taken its dispute with DAZN to the Paris Commercial Court, filing a summary proceeding to ensure that the broadcaster honors its contractual obligations. DAZN has yet to fully pay its February installment, and with €35 million still unpaid, the situation has reached a critical point.
Al-Khelaïfi Steps In
According to RMC Sport, Al-Khelaïfi, who also heads beIN Sports, was the first to speak at the emergency meeting. He advised club owners to bypass DAZN executives and instead directly engage with Len Blavatnik, the company’s main investor, before Friday. The final decision on the case will be made on February 14, the day DAZN is expected to settle its overdue payment.
Surprise at the LFP’s Confidentiality Warning
During the meeting, Al-Khelaïfi also expressed surprise at the LFP’s confidentiality reminder, issued by the league’s legal representatives at the start of the session. The directive warned club executives against sharing sensitive information, raising questions about internal tensions within the league.
With legal proceedings underway, the future of Ligue 1’s broadcasting rights remains uncertain, making the next few days crucial for French football’s financial stability.
