StarTimes Media is among broadcasters that have been awarded media rights to air the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
StarTimes Vice-President and Managing Director of Media Division Michael Dearham confirmed these reports and expressed joy at the opportunity.
Dearham added that the partnership will ensure that African football fans enjoy FIFA events.
In addition to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the media company has also acquired right to transmit for all other FIFA events with the exception of FIFA Confederation Cup Russia 2017 and in South Africa.
StarTimes Media has also been issued with transmission rights for all other 2017-2018 FIFA tournaments including:
- FIFA U-20 World Cup 2017 (20th May 2017 – 11th June 2017)
- FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 (17th June 2017 – 2nd July 2017)
- FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 (6th October 2017 – 28th October 2017)
- FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017 (27th April 2017 – 7th May 2017)
- 2018 FIFA World Cup (16th June 2018 – 15th July 2018)
- FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2018
- FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2018
The Chinese pay TV provider has acquired transmission rights to air in Kenya and 42 other territories across the Sub-Saharan Africa.
The 42 territories are:
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Congo DR, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Read also: StarTimes Kenya Bouquet Packages, Prices , Channels, Paybill Number & Contacts
Other African Broadcasters awarded the rights
- Econet Media, via free-to-air and pay-tv transmission, to exploit all territories of sub-Saharan Africa except South Africa.
- SuperSport, via pay-tv transmission, to exploit all territories of sub-Saharan Africa.
- SABC, through the free-to-air transmission, to exploit South Africa.
- StarTimes, via pay-tv transmission, to exploit all territories of sub-Saharan Africa except South Africa.
- CANAL+, via pay-tv transmission, to exploit all territories of sub-Saharan Africa except South Africa and Nigeria.
What does this mean for FIFA?
Wider coverage.
At present, it is estimated that StarTimes Media has over 10 million subscribers and this translates into reaching more people eager to enjoy the most popular and competitive global tournament.
The award of these media rights, therefore, enables FIFA to gain a wide audience across the various regions in Africa.
By partnering with various broadcasters, the international football governing body will ensure that football fans access high-quality viewing experience for the various FIFA events.
FIFA’s Chief Commercial Officer Philippe Le Floc’h said that the football federation is happy to partner with various broadcasters in the region.
Floc’h added that this would ensure fans in various parts of the region enjoy various FIFA events across numerous platforms.
The tournament will be accessible for all subscriptions starting from Ksh. 599 for the basic bouquet.
For the Classic and Unique bouquets, you will be required to pay Ksh. 999 and Ksh. 1,499 respectively.
Subscribers on the Smart and Super Bouquet will also enjoy the prestigious tournaments for Ksh. 899 and Ksh. 1,499 respectively.
And as for football lovers, this leaves them spoilt for choice. Good for them.
