Champions League football could be free-to-air again after BT Sport “mistake”

Champions League football could return to terrestrial TV after the current deal with BT Sport expires.

Uefa officials are said to believe the move to give BT Sport exclusive rights to the Champions League for the next three years as a mistake, according to The Daily Mail. BT Sport's deal to cover the tournament - which is worth a reported £897m - began at the start of this season and will run for three years. And although they have no issue with the broadcaster's coverage, they are worried about the reduction in the tournament's audience. Viewing figures during Manchester City's quarter-final first leg draw with Paris Saint-Germain peaked around 1.1m, an audience one fifth of what would be expected on ITV in similar circumstances. The tendering process for the next Champions League cycle is expected to start later this year, with Uefa seemingly interested in reverting back to the old system of one terrestrial partner - such as ITV - and one subscription service - likely Sky or BT.