Title: Tensions Rise as Ligue 1 and BeIN Sports Clash Over World Cup Broadcast Rights

The conflict between Ligue 1 and BeIN Sports has intensified, with Nicolas De Tavernost openly criticizing Nasser al-Khelaïfi regarding the broadcasting of the 2026 World Cup.

Nicolas De Tavernost is taking a stand. The president of LFP Media has threatened to resign following recent controversies. BeIN Sports has bypassed Ligue 1+ for the rights to broadcast the 2026 World Cup. Ultimately, the Qatari network secured the deal by offering a more lucrative bid and also acquired the broadcasting rights for the 2030 World Cup.

For De Tavernost, Nasser al-Khelaïfi, who heads both Paris Saint-Germain and BeIN Sports, is playing a frustrating double game. “There is a shareholder issue that prevents interests from aligning. I feel that I currently lack the support of all French clubs and their owners to continue my role at Ligue 1+. Seventeen clubs have agreed, except for PSG. In my 40 years of purchasing sports rights, I have never encountered this. We had a FIFA agreement, a contract signed by us, accepted by FIFA. The process was not fair; beIN did not initially pursue the World Cup rights, and at the last moment, without explanation, we were told: ‘it’s not you.’ Are we considering an appeal? We will discuss this with the clubs,” he stated in an interview with RTL.

FIFA denies any agreement

In response, FIFA has released a statement to L’Equipe, denying any oral or written agreement with LFP. Conversely, they asserted that negotiations did not reach a conclusion and that only the signatures of the French officials were on the document.

Subsequently, BeIN Sports presented a more attractive offer, eager to highlight its long-standing partnership. Additionally, securing rights for two World Cups appealed to FIFA representatives, who confirmed that Al-Khelaïfi was not involved in the negotiations…