German newspaper publisher Axel Springer has threatened to take legal action unless the German Football League (DFL) can resolve a dispute surrounding the online highlights clips rights to the Bundesliga, according to the Reuters news agency.
The dispute has emerged after pay-television broadcaster Sky Deutschland said it would offer online access to goals from the league.
In April 2012, Axel Springer made its first move into Bundesliga coverage by acquiring rights for online highlights clips. The clips will be shown on the Bild newspaper website on a pay-per-view basis from an hour after the end of the game, before becoming free at midnight on the day of the game.
The deal covers the four seasons from 2013-14 to 2016-17, but Sky, which acquired all live pay-television rights packages and mobile rights in last year’s tender, said it plans to offer access to Bundesliga goals immediately after the final whistle via its Sky Sports News app.
“We see no reason to discuss an amicable settlement with Sky, but we see the need for the DFL to clarify the situation,” Axel Springer chief executive Mathias Döpfner said.
He added that he could not envisage the DFL permitting Sky to pursue its current course of action, but said that “should this be contrary to all expectations, we will of course take all necessary legal steps.”
The DFL said: “The DFL has closed both with Sky and with Axel Springer reliable contracts for the granting of rights and shall ensure their fulfilment. From the perspective of the DFL the packages of all owners are clearly defined.” The statement added: “We have informed both Axel Springer and Sky of this today.”
The Bundesliga’s 2013-14 season is set to commence on Friday and it remains unclear what action the DFL will take should Sky decide to proceed with its plan to show clips.