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Bad news for non-subscribers of TV2 as it wins bid to share Euro 2016 rights
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November 27th, 2014
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Commercial enterprise to share the 51 games with state broadcaster DR
Most football fans can rest easy in the knowledge that the next European Championship will once again be shared by DR and TV2.
The broadcasters will show live coverage of all 51 matches of Euro 2016 in France, which will follow the exact same format as the World Cup from 1986 to 1994, minus a third-place playoff.
This means there will be six groups of four teams each, from which 16 will qualify for the knockout stage: the top two from each group and the four third-placed teams with the best points tally.
Bad news if you don't have TV2
However, the TV rights package agreed with UEFA marketing agency CAA Eleven, which includes mobile and online platform rights, might disappoint viewers who do not have the pay-TV station TV2, which households have needed to pay a special subscription fee for since the start of 2012.
International households are particularly prone to not choosing to take TV2 because of its primarily Danish-language content, and it irks many that it continues to enjoy the privileges of being a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) – a membership that still opens many doors.
But while TV2 is one of just two pay-TV members in the EBU (the other is French channel Canal +), the EBU's statutes do not directly prohibit pay-TV broadcasters from being a member, and as long as TV2 continue to fulfill certain public service remits, it will remain a member.
Until recently, the Euros were a protected tournament, which meant every European had the right to see them on a free-to-air channel. UEFA sold them through the EBU, which made sure their members got them for a heavily discounted price compared to other sporting events.
READ MORE: The Opening Ceremony blackout – all courtesy of TV2's public service
Denmark well placed to qualify
As things stand, Denmark look well set to qualify for the finals after beating Serbia 3-1 in Belgrade on November 14.
They are 9/4 second favourites behind Portugal (8/15) to win the qualifying group. The Danes top the group a point ahead of Portugal who have a game in hand.
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