DAZN TV Rights Dispute: Arbitration Court Threatens Broadcasting Obligation
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DAZN and Belgian Pro League Dispute heads to Arbitration
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A legal battle between DAZN and the Belgian Pro League over broadcasting rights will be settled through arbitration, offering confidentiality and a possibly faster resolution than customary court proceedings.
What Happened?
DAZN, the sports streaming service, and the Belgian Pro League are embroiled in a dispute concerning the broadcasting of Belgian football. The disagreement centers around DAZN’s commitment to broadcast the league until the end of the season, despite potential issues with the platform’s availability. Rather than pursuing the matter through state courts, both parties have agreed to submit to arbitration under the auspices of CEPANI, the Belgian Center for Arbitration and Mediation.
Why Arbitration? The Advantages Explained
According to Grégory Ernes, a lawyer specializing in sports law, arbitration offers key benefits over traditional litigation. These advantages include confidentiality and speed. The Pro League and DAZN have essentially opted out of standard legal procedures, consenting to a private jurisdiction to resolve their dispute.
Confidentiality
Unlike court proceedings, which are generally open to the public and media, arbitration at CEPANI is private. This prevents either party from being publicly challenged or having their strategies exposed in the press. The details of the arguments and debates remain confidential throughout the process.
Speed
Arbitration typically proceeds more quickly than court cases. This is due to the streamlined process involving a single body and a panel of three arbitrators – one chosen by each party and a president appointed by mutual agreement. This focused approach allows for a relatively swift resolution compared to the often-lengthy timelines of court proceedings.
Understanding CEPANI
CEPANI is a well-established arbitration centre in Belgium, boasting approximately 300 members, primarily composed of university professors and lawyers. While CEPANI provides a list of potential arbitrators, the parties are also permitted to appoint arbitrators from outside this list, offering versatility in selecting individuals with specific expertise.
| CEPANI Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Belgian Centre for Arbitration and Mediation |
| Membership | Approximately 300 members |
| Member Profile | Primarily university professors and lawyers |
| Arbitrator Selection | Parties can choose from CEPANI’s list or appoint external arbitrators |
Implications and potential Outcomes
The decision to pursue arbitration suggests both DAZN and the Belgian Pro League are seeking a swift and discreet resolution. While the specifics of the dispute remain confidential, the outcome will likely determine whether DAZN continues to broadcast Belgian football for the remainder of the season and potentially influence future broadcasting agreements. The lawyer notes that only provisional measures can be taken at the end of the initial phase of arbitration.