Production giant IMG has been subject to an ‘on-site inspection’

Harry Kane Tottenham football Premier League

The Competition and Markets Authority has opened an investigation into ITV, BT, IMG (including Premier League Productions), and Sky for potential breaches of competition law.

The CMA’s statement reveals that: “The investigation relates to the purchase by these companies of freelance services which support the production and broadcasting of sports content in the UK.” This could include the likes of freelance camera crew, runners, and other behind-the-scenes freelance workers.

The group of broadcasters are being investigated under Section 25 of the Competition Act, which allows the CMA to look into potential cartels. The CMA states, “the CMA believes it has reasonable grounds to suspect one or more breaches of competition law.” The organisation can launch an investigation if it believes there was or is an agreement between the companies.

However, the CMA also makes clear that there should be no assumptions of guilt, and that it doesn’t have enough evidence to take further action.

If the allegations are proven, then the CMA has the power to make the companies sign a legal agreement to prevent it happening again, or to fine them up to 10% of their global turnover. A further update on the investigation is scheduled for January 2023.

A Sky spokesperson has stated: “We are co-operating fully with the CMA.”

Meanwhile, ITV released a statement that read: “ITV notes the announcement today by the UK Competition and Markets Authority that it has opened an investigation into the purchase of freelance services, which support the production and broadcasting of sports content, in the United Kingdom by ITV and other named companies in the sector.

“ITV is committed to complying with competition law and is cooperating with the CMA’s inquiries. ITV does not propose to comment on this investigation further at this stage.”

A BT Group spokesperson stated: “We note today’s statement from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and are reviewing the details while co-operating fully with their team. It is clear that CMA’s investigation is focussed very specifically on the purchase of freelance services and not any other aspects of the BT Sport or wider BT Group business.”

An IMG spokesperson commented: “IMG confirms that it has been the subject of an on-site inspection by the Competition and Markets Authority.

“IMG is co-operating with the CMA in its inspection. No further comment will be made at this time.”