Premier League Wins High Court Challenge Against PPTV
January 12, 2022
The Premier League has been successful in winning a legal ruling against China broadcaster PPTV, following the failure of payments to fulfil their contract from the company.
This has been an ongoing issue for the league which first arose in March 2020, during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, before the Premier League cut off the broadcaster’s deal later that year, with PPTV competitor Tencent picking up the rights for the 2021-22 season.
Last year the Premier League struck a deal with iQiyi sports who have been broadcasting since the beginning of the 2021-22 season and will do so until summer 2025. Meanwhile the league will now try to claw back the reported £157 million they are owed.
A statement released by the league says:
The Premier League welcomes the judgment handed down by the High Court today relating to non-payment of fees by PPLive, its former broadcast partner in China.
The Premier League will robustly enforce its contractual rights when it has no other option available.
The League notes the judge’s view that PPLive had “no real prospect of success” defending the claim. The bar is high for a summary judgment application and this decision highlights the strength of the League’s case.
The League will now begin the process of recovering the fees and costs owed by PPLive.
