Multichoice statement on loss of English soccer matches

Multichoice statement on loss of English soccer matches

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THE following is a statement issued by MultiChoice Zimbabwe over the loss of most live English Premier League matches on Dstv:

'MULTICHOICE would like to clarify the confusion around SuperSport’s coverage of the 2007/2008 English Premiership season on DStv.

As announced recently, SuperSport has been unable to secure the rights for exclusive coverage of the EPL for the whole of Africa (with the exception of South Africa).

Despite a strong bid by SuperSport, which included a 400% increase in the offer compared to the previous year, the "A-package" rights were sold to Gtv, a new company, which is so far only operating in three countries in Africa.

SuperSport was only awarded the "B-package" rights; allowing it to screen 20% of the ELP matches, amounting to approximately two live games per weekend.

MultiChoice sincerely apologises for being unable to secure the English Premiership rights, this situation is highly regrettable but is unfortunately beyond our control.

Nevertheless, to ensure that SuperSport continues to bring it’s viewers the most extensive international soccer coverage, it has committed to screen over 1000 matches from a range of national soccer leagues, championships and club channels, including: Uefa Champions League, Africa Cup of Nations, Cosafa Cup, the Portuguese Super League, CAF Champions League, the Euro 2008 qualifiers, the Spanish League, the French Premier League, the English FA Cup, as well as Liverpool TV, Manchester United TV, Chelsea TV, Barcelona TV and Real Madrid TV.

As a reminder, please note the following channel changes have been implemented to accommodate the new season soccer schedule:

SuperSport Update (previously 24) moves to channel 17; SuperSport 3 (previously 23) moves to channel 18; and SuperSport 5 (previously 25) moves to 19.'

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