multiplex on Saturday? “It will be without beIN” assures the channel’s editorial director

Friday or Saturday? The start of the 2024-2025 Ligue 2 season is marked by the discontent of supporters of the various clubs who are demanding that the multiplex be rescheduled on Saturday evening as it was in previous years on The Team channel [beIN Sports a obtenu les droits fin juin et pour cinq ans, NDLR].

Present on Thursday for his back-to-school conference, the channel’s editorial director Florent Houzo wanted to clarify things: “We obtained the agreement of the Professional Football League (LFP) to broadcast on Friday evenings, the Ligue 2 college had been approached at the time and had also responded positively.” A broadcast day validated by the League that does not please the supporters and the clubs and the latter have made this known since the beginning of the season. On numerous occasions the channel’s control room vans have been targeted and commentators have been insulted.

Also readLigue 2: Supporters and players criticize the scheduling of matches on Friday and Monday

“When our commentators and cameramen are attacked with lasers during several matches, it is almost an attack with a weapon. And reading a banner: “beIN kills football” is borderline. All this is very violent, unacceptable and prohibited by the LFP regulations, regrets HouzoThe image of beIN Sports is completely tarnished, devalued and our broadcasts are degraded.”

Faced with these repeated excesses, the resigning Minister of Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castéra took matters into her own hands by announcing the organization of a meeting to discuss a possible rescheduling. The latter took place last week but the situation remains unchanged. The National Association of Supporters (ANS) and the broadcaster are sticking to their positions.

Also readLigue 2: Supporters opposed to Friday matches have started dialogue with the broadcaster

«I regret that the clubs that have a contract with beIN Sports are not more supportive. For some of them, through our payment of TV rights, it is more than 50% of their income. At some point, they need to position themselves more clearly. If this is not the case, they will have to draw the consequences, explained Houzo, who does not intend to give in. If they vote overwhelmingly for a L2 multiplex on Saturday, it will be without beIN Sports.”

A new meeting between beIN Sports, the ANS, the LFP and the Ligue 2 clubs has been announced to move the situation forward. Its date is not yet known. As a reminder, beIN Sports pays more than 200 million euros per season to broadcast a Ligue 1 match and the entire Ligue 2. This will cost it a billion euros over five years.

SEE ALSO – Nations League: Les Bleus prepare before facing Italy this Friday evening (8:45 p.m.)