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Chinese broadcaster PPLive Sports 'is suing the Premier League for £85m' for 'fundamental change' to their contract after Covid-19 shutdown last year with fewer games in primetime slots for Asian market and empty stadiums

Chinese broadcaster PPLive Sports International is 'suing the Premier League for at least £85million' as the legal feud over football's Covid-19 shutdown last year escalates.

The Premier League sued a streaming service owned by Chinese conglomerate Suning for around £158m last year after they failed to make payments for the right to screen live matches and highlights.

Now, according to the Financial Times, PPLive is countersuing the Premier League after schedule changes to accommodate English audiences led to fewer primetime slots in China.

Liverpool play Manchester United in one of the Premier League's most popular fixtures worldwide - but the league reportedly faces a claim from a Chinese broadcaster
Kick-off times altered after the restart in June, meaning fewer primetime slots in China

PPLive paid around £515m for the rights to screen matches from England's top division but their contract was terminated at the end of last season, with games moving to internet service Tencent.