The velodrome is preparing to roar this Tuesday evening. In a full -to -crack stadium, Olympique de Marseille welcomes Ajax Amsterdam to try to relaunch its Champions League campaign after the inaugural defeat against Real Madrid. However, a question pamper supporters when approaching the kick-off: why was the match not broadcast on Canal+ classic, as had been the case two weeks ago? Many expected to find the Phocaeans on the premium channel of the group … and will be surprised when zapping.
OM – Ajax not on Canal+, a question of strategy and calendar
The answer actually depends on a strategy well established by Canal+. For the past few months, the audiovisual group has adopted a fixed program for European evenings: the big match of Tuesday has been broadcast on Canal+ Foot, while the Wednesday is offered on Classic Canal+. The derogation observed during Real Madrid – OM at the opening of the competition was on the exceptional poster and its world media. But for this second day, Canal+ resumed its usual organization. Result: Om – Ajax is indeed broadcast this evening … But on Canal+ Foot, a channel not included in the basic offer.
This editorial choice means that all Canal+ subscribers will not be able to watch the meeting. To access Canal+ Foot, you must subscribe to a specific offer – such as the Sport Pack or the European Cups Pass – which gives access to 100 % of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches. A constraint that could deprive part of the Marseille public of this highly anticipated European meeting. On the other hand, the Canal+ Sport 360 channel broadcasts a multiplex for those who wish to follow several posters at the same time.
Canal+ Zappe OM – Ajax: the reason behind this surprising choice
A logic linked to the rights and the program grid
This division responds to two logics. First, the distribution of UEFA rights, which pushes Canal+ to maximize the value of its different antennas. Then, an audience logic: Wednesday, the shock of the week – in this case FC Barcelona – PSG – promises to attract a wider audience, justifying its diffusion on the main channel. Conversely, Tuesday matches allow you to enhance Canal+ Foot and encourage subscribers to expand their offer.
If the decision can frustrate, it does not detract from the quality of dissemination. OM – Ajax will be broadcast in 4K HDR on the “Event” channel, with a complete technical device and a reinforced team of consultants. It is also a reminder: since Canal+ has all European rights (2024-2027), subscribing to its sports offers has become almost essential to follow all the posters. A strategic choice which reflects the evolution of the economic model of European competitions … and which risks becoming the norm in the years to come.
