TF1 shares World Cup spoils

French free-to-air broadcaster TF1 has formally struck a deal to sub-license a slew of TV rights to the upcoming soccer World Cup. It has given the rights to 37 of the 64 games to two of its rivals, French public broadcaster France Télévisions and premium pay-TV channel Canal Plus.

TF1 will get first choice of the 27 matches it will show and exclusive coverage the final, semi final and third-place play off. France Televisions will broadcast its matches on its France 2 and France 3 channels.