Multichoice, the parent company of DStv, confirmed on Wednesday that the popular satellite TV service will not broadcast the upcoming AFCON 2023 tournament.
In a statement, Multichoice stated that SuperSport TV failed to secure the broadcasting rights, leaving millions across Africa scrambling for alternative ways to watch the continent’s biggest footballing event.
The 34th edition of the CAF AFCON will get underway on 13 January in Ivory Coast as 24 nations eye the biggest prize in African football.
Despite missing out on major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, CAF Champions League, Confederation Cup, and SuperSport TV’s AFCON 2023 blackout, Multichoice insists it remains invested in African football.
The pay channel reportedly declined a deal to broadcast the World Cup qualifiers. Sources claim “increased focus on European football” as the reason behind the shock decision by Multichoice.
SuperSport Won’t Air Afcon MULTICHOICE RELEASE STATEMENT
“SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] 2023 scheduled for January 13th – February 11th, 2024, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament,” reads the statement.
“However, AFCON 2023 games will be available through our partner broadcast stations on Free to Air [FTA] channels.
“Multichoice Africa remains committed to ensuring that fans across Africa continue to enjoy unrivalled access to entertainment and football games available on DStv and GOtv platforms, including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Zambian Super League and many more of football’s most prestigious competitions.”
While DStv screens will stay dark during AFCON 2023, African football fans can breathe a sigh of relief. SABC Sport steps in as a saviour. As Hugo Broos and his troops set their sights on continental glory, SA football fans won’t miss a kick as the public broadcaster will air AFCON action live.
Bafana Bafana are in Group E alongside Mali, Tunisia and Namibia. Their journey commences on January 16th with a crucial opening clash against Mali.
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