The Albanian Football Association (FSHF) has decided to terminate its broadcast rights agreement with Oversport, a streaming platform, after just one year. The agreement was originally supposed to run for three seasons from 2022-23 to 2024-25.
The FSHF cited the failure of Oversport to meet payment deadlines and provide broadcasts of sufficient quality as reasons for the termination.
Oversport had acquired the domestic broadcast rights after winning a tender invitation issued by the FSHF in July 2021. This included rights to Albania's top-tier Kategoria Superiore, second-tier Kategoria e Parë, Albanian Cup (Kupa e Shqipërisë), and Albanian Supercup (Superkupa e Shqipërisë).
The streaming platform began broadcasting in 2021 and replaced pay-television broadcaster DigitAlb as the home of domestic football in Albania.
In a strongly worded statement, the FSHF criticized Oversport for failing to make payments according to deadlines set out in their contract since January 2023. They also accused Oversport of not meeting technical standards with regards to production and telecast quality.
This is said have directly impacted their use of VAR technology during matches. Furthermore, they claim that Oversport's editorial stance has violated public morals and offended different social groups.
As a result, the decision has been taken to terminate the contract with Oversport outright. This will undoubtedly lead to legal action between the two parties.
After being notified about the termination, Oversport responded via media outlets, claiming that there had been a lack transparency throughout the negotiation process. They also criticized FSHF for allegedly applying pressures that, in their words, were not in line with the ethical principles expected from such an institution.
The broadcasting rights consultancy firm For Media Sports Management, led by Emanuele Villari, was appointed by the FSHF to secure media distribution rights for domestic and international markets.
Oversport positioned itself as a "disruptive media brand" aimed at capturing the interest of a new generation upon its launch. It is available via subscription at €7.99 per month and has a distribution deal with IPTV platform Tibo.
Oversport recently secured broadcast rights to Italian Serie A matches in Albania and Kosovo until the end of next season, as well as Scottish Premiership games.
However, the live streaming disruptor will now have be without the domestic rights to the Albanian top flight, and the FSHF will begin searching for a new partner for the upcoming season, which is set to kick off in August.
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