According to “Varzesh3,” France is facing a complex situation. The presidents of Ligue 1 clubs decided on Tuesday to terminate the contract signed with the streaming platform Dazn in August 2024 for broadcasting Ligue 1 matches—a deal worth €400 million, with €375 million allocated for the first year. The LFP (Ligue de Football Professionnel) board approved the decision made by the top-tier French clubs, leading to an unprecedented crisis in the league.

The British streaming platform Dazn, which broadcast eight out of nine weekly Ligue 1 matches, saw its future in the league shrouded in uncertainty and accused the LFP of failing to take serious action against illegal streaming (piracy). Additionally, the clubs allegedly restricted Dazn’s ability to improve and diversify its services. The contract included a clause allowing the LFP to unilaterally terminate the deal if Dazn failed to reach 1.5 million subscribers. Estimates suggest Dazn only has around 500,000 subscribers. One reason for the low subscriber count is Kylian Mbappé’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain and his move to Real Madrid.

The financial terms of the contract termination must now be finalized. The Ligue 1 club presidents, led by Vincent Labrune, chairman of the LFP board, are demanding termination with compensation from Dazn. Dazn still owes €140 million for April and June broadcasting payments.

According to French media reports, Dazn has lost between €200 and €250 million during the current season due to broadcasting Ligue 1 and has failed to fully satisfy viewers. Many fans preferred watching French football through illegal platforms, considering Dazn’s €40 subscription fee too expensive.