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European rugby officials have questioned the validity of a new STG152 million ($A235 million) television deal announced by the English Premiership.
The four-year contract, which starts next season, will see BT Vision as the only platform on which to watch top-flight English club rugby.
However, the organisers of the European Cup and the second-tier European Challenge Cup, say a clause in the new deal granting BT exclusive live broadcast rights to matches played by Premiership clubs in any future European competitions from 2014-15 for three years is invalid.
In a statement issued following a board meeting at its Dublin headquarters on Wednesday, European Rugby Cup (ERC) said the “purported deal” was in breach both of International Rugby Board (IRB) regulations and a mandate from the ERC board itself.
The statement said it was “unanimously agreed” at an ERC board meeting on June 6 that ERC would conclude a new four-year agreement with satellite broadcaster Sky Sports for the UK and Ireland exclusive live broadcast rights to the European Cup and the European Challenge Cup until 2018.
It added: “Premiership Rugby was party to that decision.”
An earlier statement issued by Premiership Rugby insisted their new broadcasting agreement would bolster European club rugby union as a whole.
“It’s an outstanding deal to support the continued development of Premiership Rugby and in addition, the value of the European element from our clubs’ rights will serve to help strengthen European rugby in its future competitions,” said Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty.
“Although the exact format of European competitions post 2014 is not yet agreed between the parties in Europe, this deal will certainly strengthen European club rugby for all parties,” he added.
A meeting involving the ERC and the competing clubs to discuss the future format of European tournaments after the existing agreement runs out at the end of the 2013/14 season is due to take place in Dublin on Tuesday.
English and French teams are currently in dispute with ERC and are threatening a break-away competition.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.