TV2 Norway came close to FAPL rights

[khurramdar]

TV2 Norway came close to FAPL rights

By Julian Clover
January 14, 2010 11.17 UK

TV2 had agreed a NKr390 million (â,¬47 million) deal for the rights to the English Premier League in Norway just a month before their sale to the controversial football agent Rune Hauge.

Under the deal, between TV2 chief Alf Hildrum with Hauge’s Profile Partners, TV2 would have acquired the rights for three years from the 2010/11 season. The English Premier League (FAPL) is seen as key a programming asset as the domestic Norwegian league. A move to TV2 would have upset the equilibrium of the TV4-owned Canal+ that currently holds the FAPL rights across the Nordic region. TV2 runs a number of thematic channels including TV2 Sport.

Hauge is well known in the UK for his involvement in the £425,000 payment to Aresnal manager George Graham following the transfers of Pal Lydersen and John Jensen. Graham, who was subsequently sacked as Aresenal manager maintains the sum was an “unsolicited gift”.

However the TV2-Profile Partners pact came before the FAPL put the rights out to tender. Profile Partners went onto secure the rights for â,¬123 million and has subsequently looked to resell them to interested broadcasters in the region.

It has been confirmed that TV2 and Profile Partners have agreed to walk away from the agreement for the time being, leaving the broadcaster to make its bid with its rivals.