Tensions continue to rise between Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) and the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) after the public broadcaster failed to air the Rwanda–Cameroon match, which counted for the second round of qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The absence of the live broadcast sparked widespread frustration among fans and quickly led to an exchange of statements between the two organizations, each seeking to clarify its position.
Earlier reports highlighted a growing dispute over the acquisition and cost of broadcasting rights, and the situation has now escalated further. On Wednesday, CRTV released a fresh statement responding to the AUB’s explanations and defending its decision not to transmit the game. Rather than easing tensions, the new communication appears to have deepened the rift between the two bodies.
In its statement, the Cameroonian public broadcaster accused the AUB of failing to honor its original mission regarding negotiations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). According to CRTV, African television networks had granted the AUB a mandate following the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations to secure more affordable broadcasting rights on their behalf. The goal, they say, was to make continental football competitions more accessible to public service broadcasters across Africa.
However, CRTV claims that the outcome of those negotiations went in the opposite direction. Instead of achieving lower costs, the broadcaster alleges that the price of the rights rose significantly. The statement suggests that the increase was unexpected and difficult to justify, describing the situation as a sharp and puzzling surge in fees. This development, according to CRTV, placed a heavy financial burden on national broadcasters such as itself.
The broadcaster expressed its dissatisfaction in strong terms, arguing that the AUB’s handling of the matter undermined the interests of African television stations. CRTV believes that the higher costs made it impossible to meet the financial demands required to air certain matches, including the clash between Rwanda and Cameroon. As a result, viewers across the country were unable to watch their national team live, fueling criticism and disappointment.
CRTV also sought to defend its credibility and professionalism, emphasizing that it has consistently respected its commitments whenever agreements are based on clear and legally protected terms. The broadcaster insisted that it remains willing to fulfill its obligations but only under conditions that are transparent and financially viable. This remark appears to signal that, in its view, the current arrangements with the AUB do not meet those standards.
The dispute highlights broader challenges facing public broadcasters across the continent, many of which struggle with rising sports rights costs while trying to maintain free-to-air access for their audiences. For supporters of the Indomitable Lions, however, the immediate concern remains the lack of coverage of important national team matches.
As both sides stand firm, a resolution is still uncertain. Unless an agreement is reached, similar disruptions could occur in future fixtures, leaving fans caught in the middle of an ongoing battle over broadcasting rights and financial responsibility.
