SuperSport has officially communicated its inability to secure the broadcast rights for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.
The confirmation comes after a leaked “holding statement” circulated on social media during ongoing negotiations with the rights holders, New World TV of Togo, which ultimately did not culminate in an agreement.
In a statement released on Thursday, SuperSport expressed its commitment to keep stakeholders informed of any developments that might alter the current situation.
Despite the setback, the company left the door open for potential future changes, stating, “However, Afcon matches will be available through the MultiChoice Africa partner broadcasters on free-to-air (FTA) channels.
We will communicate should there be any further developments in this regard.”
MultiChoice Africa, parent company of SuperSport, emphasized its dedication to ensuring African football fans maintain access to quality entertainment, reaffirming the commitment to offering comprehensive coverage on DStv and GOtv platforms.
While SuperSport grapples with the broadcast challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for South African football enthusiasts.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is anticipated to unveil its Afcon broadcast plans shortly, providing an alternative avenue for millions of viewers.
The setback with Afcon broadcasting rights follows earlier uncertainty regarding SuperSport’s coverage of Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Sources suggested that the channel’s focus on European football had impacted its coverage of African football events, including the Caf Champions League, Caf Confederation Cup, and the impending Afcon tournament.
As SuperSport navigates through these challenges, football fans await the SABC’s announcement, hopeful for comprehensive Afcon coverage to ensure that South African viewers can witness Bafana Bafana’s Group E campaign, commencing with a match against Mali at Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo on January 16.
Subsequent clashes against Namibia on January 21 and Tunisia on January 24 are highly anticipated, irrespective of the ongoing broadcast uncertainties.
