Ecclestone: “The European Commission would block Murdoch's purchase of F1”

Bernie Ecclestone said yesterday that the European Commission would oppose Rupert Murdoch's purchase of F1's commercial rights.

The Formula 1 boss explained to the Independent that there is an agreement to keep the category on free television while Murdoch is the owner of the pay channels BSkyB and Sky Italia and is one of the most convinced supporters of paid content on the Internet so much so that the online versions of the Times and News of The World are already available only to subscribers.

“I'm sure the European Commission wouldn't give the green light because the agreement with them requires F1 to be broadcast on free television,” Ecclestone said.

According to the 80-year-old, “the FIA ​​or the teams” would be reluctant to support the sale.