Leo Kirch

[selhurstparkflyer]

There is an article about this bloke today's Guardian.
He has control over the World Cup and Olympic Games rights and he is taking the UK Government to the European Court regards our Listed Events rule.

Despite the fact that this nothing whatsoever to do with the European Court, does anybody know more than me about this?

Is it likely we will have to pay to watch the World Cup/Olympics?
Is there any chance that he will withold TV rights altogether if he loses in Euro Court?
Why are FIFA and the IOC selling their rights to this bloke with no control over what he does?



[This message has been edited by selhurstparkflyer (edited 06 March 2001).]

[g23]

He's not the same guy who 'owns' the Moon is he Flyer?

For those who haven't come across that one, some nobody registered himself as the owner of all land on the Moon back in the 60s. I believe he charges a fee for all supposed landings (sorry, that's another thread) and image reproduction etc.

Is it him, or have I been sent round the bend by two hours of Jordan-babble last night?

------------------
"Far too good for China..."

[selhurstparkflyer]

He may well be
unfortunately, however, he seems to have a legal document owning world cup rights which will affect a few more people than NASA

[PalaceBabe]

There is a bit in one of our Dutch papers today, I'll translate it in a mo but from what I can gather he's got a stronghold in Cycling and Formule 1.

[PalaceBabe]

Leo Kirch is a German media tycoon and looks set to get a firm grip on Formule 1 not only the television rights but the merchandising as well.
The FIA can still crack Kirch control but they have just 60 days to veto the take over of Leo Kirch and the German company EM.TV in Formule 1. The German media tycoon and EM.TV have a share in Formule 1 company SLEC increased this week to 75%.

[ruediger]

Leo Kirch has secured TV-licenses for the above events. He intends to milk the cow by giving permission to Pay-TV to show live (or clips) events.

Have a look at :
http://www.kirchgruppe.de/neu/en/pub/home/



[This message has been edited by ruediger (edited 06 March 2001).]

[PalaceBabe]

EM.TV owns half of SLEC which is Bernie Ecclestones Formule 1 holding. Kirch is very much for pay TV if successful he'll put Formule 1 behind the decoder.
Ecclestone is giving up his role as vice chairman of FIA but is still very much involved in two other organisations who have a say in Formule 1 ie Formule 1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council. Kirch only has 1 out of 26 votes on the FIA Commission.