Ligue 1+ Chief Questions FIFA's 2026 World Cup TV Rights Award to beIN SportsNicolas de Tavernost, the director general of LFP Media, has publicly questioned the process behind FIFA's decision to award the television rights for the 2026 World Cup to beIN Sports. The move came at the expense of Ligue 1+, which had been considered the frontrunner for the contract.
In his comments, de Tavernost pointed to what he described as "potential conflicts of interest" surrounding the attribution of the rights. The criticism highlights the intense competition and high financial stakes involved in securing broadcast deals for major international football tournaments.
FIFA officially selected beIN Sports as the rights holder in February of this year. Prior to that announcement, Ligue 1+ had been widely reported to be in pole position to secure the package, making the final decision a significant setback for the French broadcaster.
The awarding of World Cup television rights is a critical revenue stream for FIFA and a major strategic asset for broadcasters. The process is typically highly competitive, with networks vying for the exclusive ability to air one of the world's most-watched sporting events.
The concerns raised by the head of LFP Media underscore the scrutiny that such high-value sporting rights deals attract. While the specific details of the alleged conflicts were not elaborated upon, the statement signals dissatisfaction within the French football media landscape regarding the outcome of the bidding process for the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.