Clubs in the Belgian Pro League, the top division of football in the country, have agreed to continue to sell their media rights collectively until the end of June 2020.
The clubs approved the extension of the existing agreement, which was due to run until the end of next season, 2013-14, at their general assembly.
Pro League president Ronny Verhelst said it was a “historic deal” and added: “It is a milestone in Belgium. It is a turning point in the operations of the Pro League and it is a vote of confidence from the clubs. The scramble for television rights [between clubs] has already finished, and this is a further step in the right direction.”
Pay-television broadcaster Telenet has the rights for Pro League matches in a three-year deal, from 2011-12 to 2013-14. Its rights for Saturday afternoon matches are held on a non-exclusive basis along with pay-television operator Belgacom.