Ligue 1 clubs hit by falling revenue during the coronavirus pandemic now "face missed payments from a new television deal with broadcaster Mediapro." The French Ligue de Football Professionel on Thursday said that it "refused a request from Mediapro to delay instalments" just months into a four-year deal which is due to pay Ligue 1 clubs €780M ($917M) annually (AP, 10/8). The LFP said its "priority is to ensure payment to clubs by the deadline date of October 17.” The installment in question is for €172M ($202M) and is Mediapro's second under the deal -- it paid the same amount in August before the season began (L'EQUIPE 10/8).
Mediapro President Jaume Roures on Thursday said the company "wants to renegotiate the price" for this season due to the effects of COVID-19 on the current Ligue 1 campaign. Roures explained, "The contract was drawn up in conditions that are completely different than the current situation." He added, "We're not calling the whole deal into question. But bars and restaurants are closed, advertising has collapsed." Roures said the LFP has "agreed to discuss the matter" (L'EQUIPE, 10/8).
