Source:REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
[Saba Sports News] According to French media reports, the French broadcaster has refused to air the Europa League match between Young Boys and Lille due to advertising violations on the jerseys. The advertisement on the chest of the Swiss club Young Boys’ jerseys, “Plus500,” is an online investment platform, which the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) has deemed “risky.” As a result, advertising for this platform has been prohibited in France since 2016; non-compliance could result in hefty fines. In the upcoming Europa League match, Young Boys will host Lille. The broadcasting rights for the Europa League in France belong to Canal+, which has been seeking solutions. However, the Young Boys club has firmly declined to cover the advertisement on their jerseys for this match. Ultimately, Canal+ has informed Lille and UEFA that if the situation does not change, they will not broadcast the Europa League match to avoid a fine of €100,000. This means that Lille fans in France will not be able to watch the match live at home. Moreover, Young Boys will face another Ligue 1 team, Lyon, at home in the Europa League next January. If this issue remains unresolved, the French broadcaster may still be unable to air that match.