Friday, Jul 08, 2011
PARIS (Dow Jones)--France Telecom (FTE) Chief Executive Stephane Richard Friday said the telecoms group is in discussions with Qatar-based television company Al Jazeera over a possible deal to sell its Orange Sport channel.
"What will happen to our soccer channel remains an open question," Richard said. "Al Jazeera has stated an interest and talks are underway; it is a bit early to say more today, but it is a possible option."
Al Jazeera recently agreed to pay EUR90 million a year for the right to broadcast two live premium soccer matches a week and for other associated rights over four seasons between 2012 and 2016.
Since taking the helm at France Telecom, Richard has looked to end the group's strategy of buying up exclusive rights to content as a way to lure new clients. A recent bid by Orange for the right to air French soccer matches on mobile devices was deemed too low by the league and rejected.
Al Jazeera's foray into France's soccer broadcasting market comes as Qatar is ramping up its focus on soccer ahead of 2022, when it will host the soccer World Cup. Al Jazeera's sports channel had already won the rights to broadcast French soccer games outside France for EUR200 million a year.
Al Jazeera's moves came as the Qatar Investment Authority, a Qatari government-owned firm, bought a 70% interest in French soccer club Paris Saint-Germain last week for an estimated EUR50 million.
-By William Horobin, Dow Jones Newswires; +331 4017 1740, william.horobin@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
08-07-11 1500GMT
