The announcement caused a real earthquake in the French media landscape. A few days before the major European meetings, many supporters already fear to miss the major event of the season: the final of the Champions League, which must oppose Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Milan. On social networks, the concern swells: will the final be really broadcast in clear? Will TF1 let the biggest match of the year spin?
The truth: the Champions League of course TF1 … but not the others!
The time is for clarification. Despite the rumor, the Champions League final will be clearly visible on a public channel, in accordance with European regulations which impose the dissemination of this event on a clear chain. And it will be on M6 and not on TF1. On the other hand, the controversy concerns the other finals: neither the Europa League (Tottenham-Manchester United), nor the Europa Conference League (Betis Seville-Chelsea) will be offered free of charge. They will be reserved for Canal+subscribers, depriving a large part of the public of a European spectacle usually accessible to all.
This editorial choice, far from being a “scandal” in the strict sense, is explained by the last call for tenders of UEFA: the M6 group, which shares the rights with Canal+, wished to acquire only the final of the C1. The finals of C3 and C4, they escape the broadcasting obligations in clear, unless a French club invites itself. The situation therefore remains in accordance with the legislation, even if it makes teeth cringe.
European finals: TF1's decision that does not pass
Divided supporters in the face of Canal+ exclusivity
For many, frustration is real: see two of the three European finals reserved for a paid chain fueling the feeling of injustice. Fans of Betis, Chelsea, Tottenham or Manchester United will have to subscribe or find alternatives to not miss anything. The only consolation for PSG supporters: the long -awaited final against Inter Milan will remain accessible to all, a privilege that some do not hesitate to qualify as unexpected.
If the discontent rises, French football fans can nevertheless reassure themselves: the largest poster will be available for everyone. Unless, of course, to be on the side of Marseille, where even the coach Roberto de Zerbi already prefers to schedule a Netflix film to escape the European high mass … One thing is certain: the question of access to the big football evenings has not finished fueling the debates.
