Premier League deal with Russia ‘under review’, says Masters
The Premier League is looking at the suspension or termination of its Russian television deal following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Richard Masters, the league’s chief executive, said its agreements were “under review”.
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The Russian rights for the current season are owned by a company called Rambler, and broadcast on streaming platform Okko.
Match TV – owned by energy giant Gazprom – is then set to start a six-year deal from 2022-23.
Commercial deals with Russia in all sectors are under scrutiny at the moment, and Masters told the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London: “With regards to our broadcast contracts in Russia, clearly they’re under review.”
Premier League clubs are set to show their support for the people of Ukraine at this weekend’s matches.
“I’d like the Russian people to see the strength of feeling in the Premier League and in English football this weekend,” Masters added.
“We’re looking at (the contracts) very closely in terms of suspension, termination. It’s happening right now. It’s a fast-moving situation.”
Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier Tebas the clubs still wedded to the European Super League idea are seeking to revive it.
“As far as I know (the meeting) was at Agnelli’s house in Turin a few Fridays ago – the president of Real Madrid (Florentino Perez), (the president of Barcelona) Joan Laporta and Agnelli,” Tebas said in a briefing at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit.
“What they’re saying, especially the Real Madrid president, is that they failed a first attempt. They have seen it was difficult to get English clubs to take part.
“They are trying to design a model where English clubs are not present, there will be (representatives from) the other four (major European) leagues.
“There will be some sort of first division and a second division. As far as I know, national leagues will have access through the second division.
“Those in the first division, they have direct access because they will never get relegated. I don’t know if Agnelli will explain. And if he doesn’t explain he’s lying.”
