Abidjan, (CIV):- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Wednesday announced the successful conclusion of far-reaching global broadcast agreements with TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders from key regions worldwide.
The development comes ahead of the highly anticipated kick-off of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, set to commence on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
The global TV-Broadcast partnerships boast major names such as Sky and BBC from the United Kingdom, LaLiga+ from Spain, SportItalia from Italy, Sport Digital from Germany & Switzerland, SportTV from Portugal, Viaplay from the Nordics, and Band TV from Brazil. Additionally, beIN Sport, CANAL+, New World TV, and around 45 Free To Air broadcasters have also joined hands with CAF.
This extensive collaboration ensures the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 will be broadcast in approximately 180 countries.
Notably, CAF received an overwhelming 6000 media accreditation applications for the event, marking a remarkable 100% increase from the previous AFCON held in Cameroon in 2022.
The surge in financial investments by TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders across continents is expected to result in a substantial global increase in viewership, contributing significantly to CAF’s broadcasting revenues.
The additional financial influx is poised to aid the development and growth of football in Africa, reinforcing the commitment of CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
Dr Motsepe expressed his delight, highlighting that African football’s competitiveness is being globally recognized.
“African Football and the TotalEnergies AFCON Competition is recognised as being amongst the most competitive and exciting in world football,” he said.
Dr Motsepe also emphasized the substantial investments made in youth football, professional leagues, coaching and referee training, and football infrastructure.
“Huge investments are being made in youth football, including schools football, professional leagues, training of coaches and referees, as well as the building and upgrading of football infrastructure in Africa,” he said
These efforts aim to elevate the quality of African football to compete on a global scale, building on the historic achievement of Morocco reaching the semi-finals at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
CAF’s commitment to collaboration and support for the media underscores their dedication to fostering the growth and excellence of African football, not only at AFCON but in all future CAF competitions and events.
“CAF is committed to working together and assisting the Media during the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and at all future CAF competitions and events.”He concluded.
As the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 approaches, expectations are high for the most competitive tournament yet, with prominent African football nations vying for the prestigious AFCON Cup
The global TV-broadcast agreements that CAF has concluded include:
- SKY (UK)
- BBC (UK)
- BBC Radio (Africa)
- Band TV (Brazil)
- La Liga+ (Spain)
- Ziggo (Netherlands)
- Viaplay (Nordics)
- Sport Digital (Germany & Switzerland)
- Sport Klub (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia)
- SportItalia (Italy)
- SportTV (Portugal)
- Fancode (India)
- Saran (Turkey)
- Sport 5 (Israel)
- A1 (Bulgaria)
- Art Motion (Kosovo)
- JOYN PLUS 24 (Austria)
- Megogo (Ukraine, Poland and Kazakhstan)
- RFi (France)
- RMC radio (France)
- Silknet (Georgia)
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