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Premier League concludes broadcast deal with Russia’s Match TV

The Premier League is the first major European football league to cancel a broadcast contract for the upcoming season.

The English Premier League (EPL) has announced the suspension of its six-season broadcast rights accord with the Russian broadcaster, Match TV, following the country’s attack on Ukraine.

The decision was announced to the clubs at the league’s annual general meeting in Harrogate. The league made the choice unilaterally, without consulting the clubs.

Last year, the Premier League agreed to a six-year deal with the broadcaster, which has close ties to the Russian government through its parent group, Gazprombank. The UK and US governments continue to impose severe sanctions on Gazprombank and other Russian financial institutions.

The contract was set to begin in August of 2022-23 and operate till the end of the 2027-28 season.

The English top-flight is the first major European football league to cancel a broadcast contract for the upcoming season.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the premier English football league suspended its previous Russian broadcast deal with the web portal, Rambler in March. The league’s three-year contract with the web portal has now expired. Rambler is also closely associated with the Russian government through its parent company, Sberbank.

Since the invasion, the Carabao Cup, the Scottish Premiership, Ligue 1, Formula 1, and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) suspended or voided their association with Match TV.

Nevertheless, it has continued to broadcast the Bundesliga and Serie A, despite both leagues displaying anti-war messages during their broadcasts. The German Football League (DFL) has also agreed to give 100% of the proceeds from its alliance with Match TV to humanitarian relief in Ukraine.

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