Hope on the horizon: SuperSport TV chasing AFCON 2023 broadcasting deal
A glimmer of hope for African football fans as FARPost can confirm that pay-TV giant SuperSport might yet secure broadcasting rights for the 2023 CAF AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.
This is despite the leaked statement making the rounds suggesting that SuperSport TV are unable to show the games due to failure to secure the rights to televise Africa’s showpiece.
However, South African fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the public broadcaster SABC has secured rights and will air the games.
Indications are that SuperSport TV are still in negotiations with Togolese broadcaster New World TV to air 2023 CAF AFCON action. The CAF broadcast partners, New World, are the current rights holders for the African Free-to-Air [FTA] media rights in Sub-Saharan Africa.
They are also a pay TV broadcaster in English and local languages. Besides the leaked statement, SuperSport TV are expected to make an official announcement in the coming few days regarding the AFCON broadcasting.
SuperSport in Negotiations for Potential Ivory Coast Redemption
It is said that New World TV is playing hardball regarding the AFCON broadcasting rights. However, SuperSport are hopeful that they can fulfil their mandate to cover the upcoming AFCON tournament as it’s of national interest.
CAF REITERATE IT’S COMMITMENT TO MAKING AFRICAN FOOTBALL CONTENT ACCESSIBLE
Meanwhile, CAF recently hosted the FTA Broadcasters in Lomé, Togo, to discuss plans for the AFCON.
“CAF reiterated its commitment to making African Football content accessible to Free-to-Air Broadcasters while trying to strike a balance in creating a healthy environment for PayTV broadcasters to also thrive.
“CAF and its TV Rights Agencies are working hard to ensure that millions in Africa and Globally have access to Africa’s biggest event,” reads the CAF statement.
The AFCON tournament will be held in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024. The tournament will consist of 24 nations.
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