Premier League Russian TV rights deal under review

Company owned by Gazprom set to take over rights in six year deal from next season

The Premier League is looking at the suspension or termination of its Russian television deal following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
The Premier League is looking at the suspension or termination of its Russian television deal following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

The Premier League is looking at the suspension or termination of its Russian television deal following the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Richard Masters, the league’s chief executive, said its agreements were “under review”.

The Russian rights for the current season are owned by a company called Rambler, and broadcast on streaming platform Okko.

Match TV — owned by energy giant Gazprom — is then set to start a six-year deal from 2022-23.

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Commercial deals with Russia in all sectors are under scrutiny at the moment, and Masters told the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London: “With regards to our broadcast contracts in Russia, clearly they’re under review.”

Premier League clubs are set to show their support for the people of Ukraine at this weekend’s matches.

“I’d like the Russian people to see the strength of feeling in the Premier League and in English football this weekend,” Masters added.

“We’re looking at (the contracts) very closely in terms of suspension, termination. It’s happening right now. It’s a fast-moving situation.”