Sports broadcasting heavyweights target Chile’s Canal del Fútbol – report

Sports broadcaster ESPN has joined beIN Media Group and pay-television broadcaster Fox Sports in making proposals for Canal del Fútbol, the broadcaster which holds exclusive rights to domestic football in Chile, according to Chilean newspaper Diario Financiero.

The proposals come with the Chilean Football Association (ANFP) currently weighing up the future direction for Canal del Fútbol.

The ANFP has an 80 per cent interest in Canal del Fútbol, with Jorge Claro, who manages the operation, holding the remaining stake. The ANFP’s member clubs have until December to decide whether to acquire Claro’s stake before a decision is made on the future of Canal del Fútbol.

Diario Financiero said ESPN and Fox Sports have both made proposals revolving around an 80 per cent stake in Canal del Fútbol, while beIN Media is seeking outright ownership of the operation.

The ANFP’s Comisión CDF division handles Canal del Fútbol and its membership includes leading Chilean clubs such as Audax Italiano, Ñublense, Everton and O'Higgins.