2024-07-18 21:57:25
The ANFP has suffered a new blow and, in the midst of its complex economic situation, will have to pay a huge compensation to Warner.
In a landmark ruling that marks the end of a long-standing legal dispute, the Arbitration and Mediation Center of the Santiago Chamber of Commerce this week resolved the conflict between the television company Warner, owner of TNT Sportsand the National Professional Football Association (ANFP).
The litigation dates back to 2019 and 2020 when football activity in Chile was interrupted by the social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Warner claimed compensation from the ANFP close to 52 million dollars for the transmission of Primera División and Primera B matches, arguing that it had always made its payments to the national football regulatory body. But the entity argued that this whole situation was due to “force majeure.”
Arbitrator Enrique Barros, appointed to resolve the case, ruled in favor of Warner, ordering the ANFP to pay 33 billion Chilean pesosequivalent to more than 36 million dollarsthe amount of which cannot be appealed, as it is a mediation process. It only remains to be determined how the payment will be made.
This ruling puts an end to months of uncertainty and tension between both parties, establishing an important precedent in the area of television rights for Chilean football.
The conflict also revolved around the controversy over the obligation to broadcast all matches live, a crucial aspect debated by both Warner and the ANFP. This issue was central to the arguments presented during the arbitration process.
One of the points that triggered this conflict goes back to the Patrimonial Affairs Court, which last year ruled in favor of the Chilean football management in a complaint filed by Unión San Felipe, Puerto Montt and San Luis. The court determined that It was not mandatory to broadcast all the national football matches live, despite the fact that this issue was part of the arguments used against Warner to accuse breach of contract.