As is known, there is an article in the regulations that required the local team to allow L1 MAX cameras (the signal that transmits League 1 matches) to enter the stadium. However, starting this season, the requirement is different. The clubs demand that there be no outstanding debts, including those of Melgar and Cienciano, and that the payment for TV rights be every 30 days.
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El Comercio was able to learn that the clubs’ agreement has the support of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) and will be approved in the board of directors that will take place this Thursday the 8th in La Videna. With this, a new conflict scenario will open with 1190, since the company, according to the contract signed with the FPF itself, has the power to pay up to 60 days later.
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The pressure from the clubs and the position of the FPF
It is not new that the problem over TV rights affects clubs, especially the smaller ones that depend on income from this concept to build their squads and start the preseason. The issue is that 1190 pays up to 60 days later and even, depending on the version of the equipment, exceeds this maximum allowed.
Until today, the clubs have received payment for the month of October. On January 20, they would be issued what corresponds to November and so on, because it is within the established deadline. And to that is added the pending payments to Melgar for 2023. ‘Domino’ was only paid for the first two months and then not anymore. For this reason, the measure of force seeks to make a 180º turn.
“The entry of TV is going to be prohibited. We have decided to take this measure because it is the only way to put pressure,” they tell us from the clubs that attended the meeting this Tuesday. And by enjoying the endorsement of the FPF, there will no longer be possible WOs, as happened in 2023 with Alianza Lima and other teams.
Ricardo Bettocchi complained to 1190 Sports for lack of payments to Melgar. (Photo: Composition)
On that occasion, Alianza – which had already prevented the 1190 cameras from entering Matute in the match against Boys – did not appear at the Alberto Gallardo to face Sporting Cristal and added its first WO. After that, the FPF changed the regulations and decided to declare the clubs that do not allow the entry of TV the loser by WO. Alianza, forced by the situation, modified its position to avoid a possible relegation.
But the scenario has already changed. The regulations are made by the LFP, which is made up of the clubs, and are approved by the FPF in the board of directors. In addition, the Federation is on the side of the clubs and pressures 1190 to comply with pending payments. What’s more, it made it a condition for the current operator that there be no outstanding debt to start the 2026 championship.
TV rights: what does 1190 Sports say?
El Comercio was able to contact 1190 to find out its position regarding the clubs’ demand and the delay in payments for TV rights. In this regard, the company denied that it had had a direct approach with the teams and highlighted 2026 as a year of growth for the associative model in which they trust.
“We have not received any formal communication from the clubs on the issues mentioned. It must be remembered that 1190 Sports has been developing a long-term commitment to Peruvian football since 2023, with an associative model that has allowed progress in professionalization, predictability and greater reach both locally and internationally, and in that sense, 2026 marks a new stage of growth and consolidation of the project,” they assured.
Beyond that, a disconnect between 1190 and the FPF is evident. If previously there was tension, today that feeling is much greater. As time goes by, uncertainty takes its place and the clubs are the most affected. Of course, the legal issue forces them to stay together, since there is a contract that must be fulfilled.
Is the start of League 1 delayed?
While the scenario is gaseous, there are dates established for the start of the 2026 championship. For now, this Friday the 9th the draw for the League 1 fixture will be held and the awards for the best from the previous season will be held. The event will start at noon.
The Apertura Tournament has a start date of January 30, although a possible delay has not been ruled out due to problems over TV rights. For now, there is a measure of force from the clubs to promptly collect what they are entitled to; while in 1190 there is no answer that satisfactorily meets the demands of the protagonists. What will happen?
