Slim camp plays down Chivas rights speculation

Spokesmen for Mexican multi-billionaire Carlos Slim have denied speculation that he intends to acquire the broadcast rights to top-tier Mexican football club Chivas, according to the Associated Press.

The speculation has emerged since Slim’s telecommunications company, América Móvil, acquired a 30-per-cent stake in Grupo Pachuca, which owns Chivas’ fellow first division clubs León and Pachuca, in September 2012.

The deals gave Slim control over the clubs’ domestic and international broadcasting rights.

The owners of the 18 Mexican first division clubs are scheduled to meet later today (Monday) to decide whether one person or one company can own more than one top-tier football team.