Al Jazeera Gets French Rights to Champions League

Qatar-based broadcaster Al-Jazeera has secured French broadcast rights to the Champions League for three seasons.

UEFA says it sold four of five available media packages covering 133 matches each season from 2012-15. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Al-Jazeera replaces incumbents TF1 and Canal Plus as UEFA’s main broadcast partner in France.

UEFA says a fifth package — including first choice of games on 13 match dates, erectile and the final — has not yet been awarded.

Al-Jazeera’s deal continues its buying spree of sports media rights in France. It already has bought domestic and international rights to screen French league matches.

Al-Jazeera has Middle East and North African rights for the Champions League.