The beIN Sports channel has not yet paid the amount of TV rights linked to Euro 2024 to UEFA. But both sides deny any problems.
In a different matter but reminiscent of that of Ligue 1 TV rights, beIN Sports has still not paid UEFA for the broadcast of Euro 2024. As indicated Monday by the newspaper L’Equipe and confirmed by RMC Sport , the Qatari channel owes nearly 27 million euros to UEFA.
Full broadcaster of the continental competition in France (including 25 matches co-broadcast with M6 and TF1), beIN Sports has not yet paid this debt to the body chaired by Aleksander Ceferin. A delay in payment justified by the duration of the agreement between UEFA and the channel since it concerns both Euro 2024 and the next one in 2028 which will be played in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“Until contracts are signed, no payment is due”
Contacted by RMC Sport, beIN Sports in no way disputes this late payment and this (de facto) debt to UEFA. However, the group regrets the way in which information is treated by the media around “fake weekly news” and in connection with “criticism from certain tabloids”. Via one of its spokespersons, beIN Sports wanted to clarify its position vis-à-vis UEFA.
“BeIN and UEFA are currently negotiating several long-term media rights contracts. Several outstanding items are currently with UEFA (beIN awaits feedback) until the contracts are signed, no payment is due” , clarified the Qatari group to RMC Sport. “UEFA is in no way chasing payment. This is all entirely the industry standard and beIN is one of the most trusted and successful media groups in world sport.”
BeIN regrets the lack of “truth” in the media
Clearly, beIN Sports has no plans not to pay UEFA. And, as for the non-payment of its dues to the LFP for those in Ligue 1, is waiting to clarify certain contractual points. And the spokesperson for the group led Nasser Al-Khelaïfi concluded with a very clear criticism of the media treatment of its negotiations with the Leagues or UEFA.
“Yet, after all this, apparently according to some, beIN is in turmoil and is not respecting its contracts,” the Qatari channel further criticized. “Apparently it’s the only story that sells newspapers, and it’s better than printing the truth.”
“BeIN has been a long-term partner of UEFA in multiple territories globally for over two decades, with exceptional broadcast experience and there are no payment issues related to Euro broadcast rights 2024 in France,” declared UEFA marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein.
Jean-Guy Lebreton with Arthur Perrot
