The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) has confirmed it is not broadcasting any of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) matches which kick off in the Ghanaian capital Accra on Sunday 20th January.
SBC says the asking fee to broadcast the matches by LC2 International of France is beyond the corporation’s means.
The present economic situation characterised by the devaluation on the rupee and the foreign exchange shortages have made matter worse for the SBC.
The broadcast rights for the whole tournament cost 305,000 Euros, which is 55 thousand more than for the previous tournament in 2006.
Soccer enthusiasts are disappointed to miss Africa’s premiere soccer event twice in a row since in 2006 too the event was not transmitted live, again because of the hefty fee.
However, questions are being raised about SBC’s ability to plan ahead as this is a biennale event with potentials to attract sponsorships. Although a telenovella series doesn’t cost as much as the live transmission of a major international sporting event, local television viewers question the logic behind SBC’s readiness to ensure its yearly supply as oppose to other television programmes.
One available option for local football fans to watch the African stars in action is through the local cable TV company which is transmitting the matches on the Super Sports channel.
It is not clear if TV5 Monde will air the knockout phase of the tournament – four quarterfinals, two semifinals, the third place play-off and the final – like in 2006.
The competition takes place in Ghana from Sunday 20th January to Sunday 10th February and sees the best 16 teams from across the continent battle it out. Matches will be played in four cities – Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Sekondi.
