CEPANI has made a decision in the dispute between the Pro League and DAZN. The arbitration concerns the obligations surrounding the broadcasting rights of Belgian professional football.
Arbitration decision
The arbitration body obliges DAZN to continue to implement the existing agreements regarding broadcasting and payment. The Pro League confirms that the requested interim measures have been assessed. “The Pro League has received and analyzed the decision on the provisional measures that the Pro League requested against DAZN,” it said.
The emergency arbitrator determines that DAZN must continue to fulfill all contractual obligations. This includes both financial agreements and operational tasks surrounding production, broadcasting and technical measures.
Obligations for DAZN
According to the decision, DAZN must continue payments as agreed. In addition, the provider must continue to produce and broadcast the matches. The promised measures against piracy and the agreements regarding geo-blocking also remain in force. Furthermore, DAZN must hold discussions with telecom operators to conclude distribution deals. “The emergency arbitrator confirms that DAZN must comply with its obligations.”
Response from the Pro League
The Pro League is satisfied with the ruling. CEO Lorin Parys emphasizes that the core obligations are maintained. “We are satisfied that DAZN must fulfill its commitments regarding, among other things, production, distribution, payment and negotiations with the telcos.” According to him, the decision benefits clubs, supporters and the league.
The Pro League turned to CEPANI after DAZN announced its intention to terminate the contract due to the lack of a commercially viable agreement with operators such as Proximus and Telenet. The arbitration was therefore started urgently.
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Temporary validity
The measures apply until the end of the season or until the tribunal dealing with the substance of the case makes a new decision. The tribunal will be constituted in the spring, consisting of three arbitrators.
