KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: French football is teetering on the brink of its greatest crisis of the modern era.

The withdrawal of Mediapro from its broadcasting rights deal with the French league has forced a new tender with offers to be revealed on Monday.

Many clubs are on the brink of bankruptcy. A French league analysis suggested the potential losses of French professional clubs at the end of this season will exceed €1.3bn.

The termination of the Mediapro contract has cost €830m with a further €400m lost in terms of matchday income because of the pandemic.

In addition, the Covid crisis has reduced revenue from the international transfer market.

Mediapro’s withdrawal prompted an offer from Canal+ of ‘only’ €590m plus an additional €100m if a certain number of subscribers was achieved.

The league has reportedly sought in vain a positive signal from President Emmanuel Macron.

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