adminCape Town — Fifa has announced that it has granted both SuperSport and the SABC rights to the 2018 Soccer World Cup in Russia as well as other Fifa-related 2017/18 events.
The two broadcasters were granted certain media rights by the football governing body after an open tender process in sub-Saharan Africa consisting of 42 territories, Fifa said in a statement.
The 2017/18 Fifa-related events comprise the Fifa Under-20 World Cup 2017; Fifa Under-17 World Cup 2017; Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup 2017; Fifa Confederations Cup 2017; Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup 2018; Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2018 and the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
“We are delighted to work with our appointed broadcast partners in the sub-Saharan region to allow millions of fans to enjoy each of Fifa’s various events across a multitude of platforms,” said Fifa’s Chief Commercial Officer Philippe Le Floc’h.
“Soccer is among the jewels in the SuperSport crown,” said Gideon Khobane, SuperSport chief executive.
“We have long enjoyed the thrills of the World Cup and Fifa’s other properties and this new arrangement prolongs what has become a great partnership.”
Sully Motsweni, Group Executive: SABC Sport stated, “It was important for SABC Sport to secure the Fifa rights because of our audience’s desire to be able to experience events of this magnitude through the public service broadcaster’s various platforms.
“What is also very important to us is that we will also be able to give our audience the Fifa World Cup in the language of their choice with the power of our 18 radio stations, over and above the regular TV coverage of the event.
“Another point to note is that we have also secured certain mobile transmission rights to make sure we have all our available broadcast platforms covering the event”.
— Sport24
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu