UEFA today announced that the balance of UEFA Champions League French television rights available for the 2003-2006 period would be awarded to Canal +.

On February 14, UEFA awarded the first choice match of the week to TF1. The agreement in principle reached with Canal + includes all remaining packages and is compatible with the TF1 package. This means that Canal + will broadcast all matches (up to 15 per match-week) except the TF1 match, plus Tuesday and Wednesday highlights programmes, delayed matches and a magazine programme.

The rights were sold according to a formal tender procedure and comprehensive evaluation conducted by UEFA. The agreement, which remains subject to contract, together with the renewed partnership with TF1 also represents a healthy overall financial return in a challenging market place.

Canal + have a long and extensive history of football coverage in France, and are current partners of the UEFA Champions League via a sub-license from TF1. This is the first time they will contract directly with UEFA for the UEFA Champions League rights. Likewise it is the first time all matches
will be available on French television.

Commenting on the deal, UEFA CEO Gerhard Aigner, said:

‘This is an excellent deal for football fans in France as well as for European football. It ensures maximum visibility of the UEFA Champions League for fans and viewers.

‘I would like to thank all those involved in the process. We now look forward to share another exciting chapter of UEFA Champions League football in France with clubs, supporters and broadcasters.’

For more details contact:

Uefa Media Services
++ 41 22 99 44 55 9