EC looking for shorter live football deals

European commissioner Mario Monti has hinted he wants to see Sky's three-year live television football deal reduced to one year.

It is well known that the European Commission (EC) and Mr Monti were unhappy with the £1bn deal that Sky TV struck with the FA Premier League in August.

It was thought the EC would seek to break the exclusivity of Sky's deal but in a speech in Rome made yesterday, Mr Monti, while not directly referring to the Sky issue, hinted he was unhappy with the length of the deal.

He said: "The exclusivity of a contract does not necessarily hurt the competition but the duration and scope can create more serious problems and shut down the market.

"With regard to duration the commission maintains that contracts of one season are generally acceptable."

This might be good news for Sky as it would allow the company to keep bidding for exclusive rights. Last week James Murdoch, the new chief executive of Sky said the corporation would pay "significantly less" for new rights if they were not exclusive.

However, this latest development will come as a disappointment for publicans. Licensees have told thePublican.com they are looking for an alternative to Sky's coverage, after many were hit by large increases in subscription fees in July.

It is likely the Premier League will also be unhappy as longer deals secure more money for clubs and it is known that the German football league, the Bundesliga, has recently secured a three-year TV deal, which has been approved by the EC.

Related articles:​

Premier League seeks Sky settlement with EC (8 December 2003)

EC Sky decision expected 'shortly' (4 December 2003)

European Commissioner may rule Sky deal 'unlawful' (12 November 2003)

Licensees' fury at Sky football deal (14 August 2003)

Sky gets Premier League football until May 2007 (11 August 2003)

Anger as Sky hikes up fees (3 July 2003)