Multichoice, Africa’s leading entertainment platform, has announced that it will not be airing the 2024 edition of the continent’s flagship football showpiece, AFCON.
The company announced on Wednesday that the African Cup of Nations will not air on DSTV or GOTV.
The announcement made by Multichoice cited its inability to secure broadcasting rights for AFCON 2024 as the primary reason for this development. The decision not only affects the company’s flagship platforms, DSTV and GOTV, but also leaves fans questioning the future accessibility of major football events through these popular channels.
AFCON holds a special place in the hearts of football fans across Africa. The tournament not only showcases the incredible talent and passion for the sport but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among nations. The news of Multichoice’s decision has left fans heartbroken, as they will miss out on the excitement, drama, and memorable moments that define AFCON.
DSTV and GOTV have been the go-to platforms for football enthusiasts, offering comprehensive coverage of major tournaments. The absence of AFCON 2024 from their programming lineup is a significant blow, and fans are left scrambling to find alternative means to follow their favorite teams and players during the competition.
Securing broadcasting rights for major sports events is a complex and competitive process. The announcement by Multichoice highlights the challenges that media companies face in ensuring consistent coverage of popular tournaments. Negotiations for broadcasting rights involve intricate discussions with sports governing bodies, and the inability to reach an agreement can lead to disappointing outcomes for both the broadcaster and the audience.
As football fans come to terms with the absence of AFCON 2024 on DSTV and GOTV, questions arise about the future of football broadcasting in Africa. Multichoice has been a key player in bringing live football action to households, but the current setback prompts reflection on the dynamics of securing broadcasting rights and the potential emergence of new platforms as alternatives.
Multichoice cited its inability to secure the right to broadcast the tournament for development.
SuperSport Channel will not broadcast African Cup of Nations games as DSTV failed to secure the tournament’s right to broadcast.
MultiChoice disclosed the development in a statement on Wednesday as football lovers prepare for another edition of AFCON.
“SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled for January 13th to February 11th, 2024, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament,” said MultiChoice.
MultiChoice added, “However, AFCON 2023 games will be available through our partner broadcast stations on Free to Air (FTA) channels.”
The news came as a shock to millions of football lovers—who are already anticipating the commencement of the tournament—across the continent.
Many have chided the foremost cable TV and digital content provider over it failure to air the AFCON especially in light of its incessant hike in subscription fee in the last one year.
