French commercial broadcaster TF1 has agreed a deal for rights to the 2015 men’s World Handball Championships, according to L’Equipe.
The French newspaper said TF1 will co-broadcast the semi-finals and final of Qatar 2015 with pay-television broadcaster and tournament rights-holder beIN Sports, should reigning European champions France reach the latter stages of the competition.
Under French media law, the games would have to be available on free-to-air television if they feature the France national team.
TF1’s deal represents a departure from the traditional broadcast model for the event in France, with public-service broadcaster France Télévisions having served as the regular free-to-air partner since 2001.
The 24th men’s Handball World Championship will run from January 15 to February 1 in Doha. France has been drawn against Sweden, Algeria, the Czech Republic, Egypt and Iceland in the group stages.