V-League 2018 caught in television copyright dispute

Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) signed a contract with Next Media to produce V-League in 2017. However, after the congress to elect a new Board of Directors, they wanted to terminate the contract.

“Football has two areas to attract audiences: on the field and on television and the internet. However, the previous General Director handed over the entire internet area to the partner, so VPF cannot do anything to develop it. In addition, according to the contract, the agreement was to split the profits from production in half, but when we asked for financial figures, they were not provided. Therefore, VPF wants to terminate the contract,” said Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of VPF Tran Anh Tu..

Meanwhile, Next Media said they were not at fault, and that VPF’s unilateral request to terminate the contract was unreasonable. The unit has sent a petition to the authorities. Up to now, the two sides have not found a common voice, and will most likely have to take each other to court.

Today, VPF will announce the sponsor for V-League 2018, but they have not yet announced the live broadcast schedule even though the tournament will start this weekend (March 10). Some TV stations said they have not decided on live broadcast of the national championship due to fear of disputes. It is likely that there will be very few matches broadcast on TV in the first rounds.

“We want to have a good contract so that V-League can earn money from television copyright. Currently, VPF has not reached an agreement with VTV, but some other stations have agreed. We will not let V-League start without any station broadcasting live. The tournament sponsor also only requires four live matches per round,” Mr. Tran Anh Tu added.