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UEFA gets formal exemption for Champions League rights
MUMBAI: UEFA chief executive, Gerhard Aigner, has welcomed the decision of the European Commission to approve a formal ‘exemption’ granting UEFA the right to maintain its new approach to selling UEFA Champions League broadcasting and new media rights.
The announcement marks the end of a long and detailed investigation by the Brussels authorities into central marketing of the commercial rights to the UEFA Champions League.
As reported a few days ago by Indiantelevision.com, ESPN Star Sports renewed its exclusive pay-TV multi-year cable and satellite rights in Asia for the UEFA Champions League till 2006.
Coming back to the latest announcement, the Commission reached this decision after considering the views of UEFA, clubs, broadcasters and other interested third parties. For the first time, the European Commission has granted formal competition law approval to central marketing of broadcasting, new media and sponsorship rights by a football governing body.
UEFA and the Commission agreed that central marketing of the ‘core’ commercial rights to the competition was essential to maintain solidarity in European football and to protect the brand identity of the UEFA Champions League, the flagship club competition created by UEFA. The exemption decision will run until July 2009, providing financial security for all stakeholders in the European game.
The case results in a new kind of sales arrangement for UEFA Champions League rights, which UEFA has already put into effect for seasons 2003-2006. In essence, UEFA will continue selling the live television rights and highlights to the competition. At the same time, certain other rights (including delayed TV rights and new media rights) will be co-exploited by UEFA and the clubs together. This will protect the solidarity structure of European football, whilst allowing new market opportunities to develop and competition to flourish. A summary table is attached explaining the content of the agreement in greater detail.
Aigner said, “We have worked hard with the European Commission to produce a modern and balanced approach to the selling of the UEFA Champions League commercial rights. The key principle of central marketing has been protected, while steps have been taken to stimulate new technologies and strengthen our co-operation with clubs.
“We are particularly delighted that the importance of solidarity and the re-distribution of television income has been recognised as this is vital to the overall well-being of European football. UEFA’s TV sales process for 2003-2006 is now almost complete and despite difficult market conditions the results are good for football, fans and the viewers alike.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
