Spain’s competition authority, the CNMC, has raised red flags over how the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) plans to market broadcasting rights for several major football competitions in upcoming seasons.
In a series of reports released this week, the regulator questioned whether the proposed tender process complies with Spain’s broadcasting law and urged significant changes to ensure fairness and transparency.
The rights in question cover the Spanish Super Cup, the Primera RFEF (Spain’s third-tier league), and the First Division of Men’s Futsal. The RFEF is preparing to sell the audiovisual rights for these competitions for the 2025/26, 2026/27, and 2027/28 seasons. According to the CNMC, the Federation’s proposed conditions fall short of the standards outlined in Royal Decree-Law 5/2015, which governs the collective marketing of football broadcasting rights in Spain.
One of the CNMC’s main concerns is that the RFEF may be overstepping its legal authority. The regulator believes the Federation should restrict itself to selling only the match content specifically covered by the law and avoid acting as a content producer or claiming additional broadcast time beyond the games themselves.
The reports also highlight the need for greater clarity around what exactly is being offered, especially in the case of the Primera RFEF, where the competition format is still uncertain. The CNMC warned that this lack of definition could deter potential bidders and reduce competition.
In its analysis, the CNMC encouraged the RFEF to structure its tender in a way that allows for multiple packages, which could attract a broader range of broadcasters. It also stressed the importance of setting clear and objective criteria for awarding the rights to ensure a fair and competitive process. Any vague or overly restrictive requirements, the watchdog noted, risk discouraging bidders and creating unnecessary barriers to entry.
Another sticking point is the Federation’s proposed limitations on how successful bidders can advertise and promote their coverage. The CNMC argued that such restrictions would unfairly limit broadcasters’ commercial freedom and their ability to profit from the rights.
Under Spanish law, any entity looking to market football broadcasting rights must first seek a report from the CNMC on the proposed terms. The regulator’s feedback, although non-binding, carries significant weight and can influence how the rights are ultimately awarded.
As the RFEF prepares to open bidding for these competitions, it remains to be seen whether it will adjust its plans in response to the CNMC’s recommendations. But with millions of viewers—and euros—at stake, the outcome will be closely watched by broadcasters, clubs, and fans alike.
