France: D8 takes Champions League final from TF1

[-=ANJAAN BALOCH=-]

Canal+’s FTA DTT channel D8 has acquired the rights for the next three yearsto air the UEFA Champions League final, which is usually broadcast by TF1.Pay-TV channel beIN Sports which will also broadcast the games, but being classed as “an important sporting event” means the Champions League final also has to beco-broadcast by a FTA channel. Accordingto sport daily L’Equipe, D8 have paid more than €3 million a year for the rights.This acquisition demonstrates “D8’s will toinvest in event programmes that bring people to the channel” explained the station.For Canal+ Group, this is some consolationafter Altice recently took the rights to the English Premier League.