Madrid, May 20, 2025 — Spain’s competition authority, the CNMC (Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia), has raised concerns about the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) proposed framework for marketing audiovisual rights for several major football competitions.
In four newly released reports, the CNMC reviewed the conditions RFEF plans to use in its upcoming tenders covering the Spanish Super Cup, the First RFEF (Spain’s third-tier league), and the First Division of Men’s Futsal for the 2025/26, 2026/27, and 2027/28 seasons. The tenders apply to broadcasting rights in Spain and Andorra, and in some cases, international markets.
The CNMC concluded that some of the proposed conditions violate Royal Decree-Law 5/2015, which governs the collective marketing of football broadcast rights in Spain. The authority warned that the RFEF must revise its approach to ensure competition, transparency, and non-discrimination in the bidding process.
Key Recommendations from the CNMC:
- Limit Scope Appropriately: The RFEF should only market rights it is legally authorized to manage under the decree, and should not claim rights beyond that scope—such as those linked to production or geographical/time restrictions that exceed its remit.
- Clarify Rights Offered: The Federation must eliminate ambiguity, especially surrounding the format of the First RFEF, to give potential bidders a clear understanding of what is on offer.
- Use Competitive Tender Design: The CNMC advises adopting a lot-based structure with options that can attract diverse bidders, boosting competitive tension.
- Transparent Evaluation Criteria: Award decisions should be based on clear, objective criteria, avoiding vague or discretionary rules that could deter new entrants or favor specific bidders.
- Respect Bidder Autonomy: Restrictions on advertising or promotion by rights holders should be removed to protect their freedom to monetize and exploit the acquired rights.
These reports, identified as INF/CNMC/105/25 through INF/CNMC/108/25, are part of the CNMC’s legal mandate to review audiovisual rights marketing under Article 4 of Royal Decree-Law 5/2015. While non-binding, the CNMC’s recommendations carry significant influence and aim to ensure fair access and pricing in the broadcast market.
The Federation’s next steps in response to the CNMC’s findings will be closely watched by broadcasters, streaming platforms, and sports marketing firms, as competition for premium football content remains intense.
Source: https://www.cnmc.es/prensa/propuestas-RFEF-derechos-audiovisuales-20250520
