R1.9 billion unpaid debt behind CAF and beIN Sport contract stand-off

The news reverberated around the continent recently ahead of the final round of qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year because beIN is the media rights partner of CAF in the middle east and a major partner. 

Insiders say CAF has been trying to recoup R1.9 billion owed by the Qatari broadcasters but they have been refusing to pay.

With the AFCON only a few months away, the current situation is a stand-off between the two bodies – who both will lose out if no solution is found.  

CAF and beIN Sport entered into a lucrative agreement six years ago reported to have been in the region of US415 million [nearly R8-billion] covering over 40 countries with the majority in Africa. 

The network has since confirmed its intention to take legal action against CAF over the decision to terminate the deal, but there has been no formal communication from the federation to counter the statement or set the record straight. 

SABC Sport did request a comment from CAF’s head of TV Luxolo September, but he declined to address the matter.

“I cannot comment on this as it is our President Dr Motsepe handling it now. Africa has one voice on the matter and that is our President. At the appropriate time, we will give the facts around this,” he said. 

In July this year, CAF registered 17% increase in media rights despite the current challenges. 

It’s not the first time the African ruling body cancels a major broadcast contract having gone the same route in 2019 when it scrapped the controversial deal with Lagardere Sports meant to run until 2028. 

This followed two court judgements the French-based company had breached competitions rules, leaving CAF no choice but to act. 

Lagardere Sports were not able to get the tv rights back. 

FIFA’s deadline for bids for the World Cup qualifying matches involving African teams was on 29 August and there was an agreement reached with all 54 members associations the media rights for the fixtures would be “managed by FIFA under a centralised sales model.” 

It now remains to be seen how the latest saga with beIN Sport unfolds, but the public broadcaster has it on good authority CAF will not be budge.