2023 AFCON: DStv has no rights to broadcast the AFCON tournament
3rd January 2024
MultiChoice, the operator of the pay television service DStv, has announced that it will not broadcast the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament scheduled to take place in Cote d'Ivoire.
DStv, one of Africa's largest television stations, cited the inability to secure broadcasting rights for the AFCON as the reason for this decision.
In a statement released by South African Pay TV, the company expressed regret over the decision, acknowledging that its numerous customers would be deprived of coverage for Africa's flagship football tournament.
“SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled for January 13th - February 11th, 2024, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament,” the statement said.
“However, AFCON 2023 games will be available through our partner broadcast stations on Free to Air (FTA) channels.
“Multichoice Africa remains committed to ensuring football fans across Africa continue to enjoy unrivalled access to entertainment and football games available on DStv and GOtv platforms including, the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Zambian Super League and many more of football's most prestigious competitions.”
The AFCON 2023 is set to commence on January 13, 2024.
The statement mentioned that the SuperSport Channel, a prominent sports channel under DStv, will not broadcast the AFCON 2023 due to the absence of secured rights.
However, it assured customers that AFCON 2023 games would be available through partner broadcast stations on Free to Air (FTA) channels.
While DStv will miss broadcasting the AFCON, it emphasized its ongoing commitment to providing access to various football competitions and entertainment through its platforms, including the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Zambian Super League, and more.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently announced a new broadcasting partnership with Togo-based NewWorldTV, which will broadcast its various competitions, including the 2023 AFCON.
The rights for CAF competitions from 2023 to 2025 were sold to NewWorldTV for 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.