Photo: © Denis Gladkov / Match TV
“Match TV” issued an open letter to the RPL and the RFU.
Open letter text:
“Dear colleagues!
Match TV is a long-term partner of Russian football, including the Russian Premier League and the Russian Football Union.
The key direction of this partnership is the coverage of RPL matches, matches of the Russian Football Cup and other events. In particular, a license agreement was signed between Match TV and the RPL to acquire media rights to cover RPL matches in the 2022/2023-2025/2026 seasons.
Match TV has always adhered to the position that it is necessary to fulfill its obligations in full within the framework of long-term relationships with the RPL and the RFU, and also provided comprehensive support to the participants of Russian football, often going beyond the agreed obligations.
However, in recent months, the media have been discussing the creation of a new tournament – the so-called “RPL Cup”.
Leaving behind the numerous arguments of opponents and supporters of this tournament, Match TV considers it necessary to express its position very clearly and, most importantly, openly.
Match TV believes that the creation of a new tournament among RPL clubs will negatively affect the media attractiveness of the Russian Football Championship and the Russian Football Cup, which will entail corresponding consequences for all parties involved.
In addition, given the nature of the situation and a significant increase in the cost of the contract with the RPL, Match TV believes that the creation of a new tournament, that is, in fact, the launch of an alternative RPL product, does not comply with the principles of partnership.
Also, the creation of a new cup tournament calls into question the feasibility of holding one of the oldest tournaments in Russia – the Russian Football Cup, which allows the clubs of the First and Second Leagues to prove themselves at the highest level and creates a real holiday for regional football due to the arrival of RPL clubs with the best players.
Given the foregoing, Match TV reserves the right to take legal action regarding the revision or termination of the license agreement with the Russian Premier League.
