Platini briefed on football TV rights in Malta

The screening of live football matches exclusively on pay TV channels was discussed in Brussels during a meeting between Labour MEP Joseph Muscat and French football legend and newly-elected president of UEFA, Michel Platini.

Mr Muscat reiterated his stand that football broadcasts should not become a luxury service and a balance must be struck by broadcasting a number of matches free-to-air.

The MEP has been arguing for the past months against the signing of exclusive contracts between European football clubs and TV stations regarding the broadcasting of football matches only on pay TV channels.

The applicability of European Union rules on the sporting world and whether football clubs and players have the right to seek remedy through ordinary justice were also raised at the meeting.

Mr Muscat met Michel Platini in his capacity as a member of a group of parliamentarians active in sports policy.

Michel Platini retired from football in 1987. He was one of the main organisers of the World Cup tournament in France in 1998.