League secures a new TV deal

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The League has signed a three-year deal with telecommunications company Belgacom valued minimum €36m. The previous deal three years ago was for €15m and the current deal has been higher than the €25m expected. 51% of monies received above €15m would go to the top five clubs with the rest divided amongst the other 13. "This is judged on the standings over the past five years," said Robert Sterckx, secretary of the Belgian league. Belgacom won all six blocks of rights and plans to broadcast games via its interactive digital television and through the state TV stations. But there is a clause within the bidding process that allows rival bidders to make new counter-bids providing they are at least 10% above Belgacom's offer. "If there is a counter bid of 10% above the €36m then Belgacom will be asked to increase their bid," said Sterckx. "If they increase their bid then they will still get the rights on Monday." Rival bidders include cable firms Telenet, Canal Plus, and Be tv, Flemish television station VTM and Flemish channel VT4.