Spain competition watchdog raps soccer TV deals

MADRID, April 9 (Reuters) - Spain's Competition Commission said on Wednesday it opened proceedings against broadcasters and soccer clubs over the awarding of TV rights to domestic games.

The commission said that, during its investigation it had found a series of agreements between broadcasters over the buying and use of broadcasting rights to Spain's Primera Liga and its main cup competition, the King's Cup.

It highlighted pacts between Sogecable, which controls the lion's share of domestic football rights, and rival Mediapro -- companies which have subsequently locked horns over the rights.

The filing also names regional channels, publicly-owned bank Caja Madrid and 38 clubs in the first and second division.

The commission said that, because of a series of contracts between broadcasters and clubs, the vast majority of league and cup games would not be up for grabs to other broadcasters until after the 2009-2010 season.

A commission spokeswoman said those found in breach of competition rules would receive a fine equivalent to the value of the contract, adding that its decisions could be appealed in Spain's High Court.

The case will take up to 18 months, the commission said. (Reporting by Jesus Aguado; Writing by Ben Harding)