Satellite channels to sue EFA over Ahli row

الخميس، 23 أكتوبر 2008 - 21:02

كتب : Hatem Maher

Several TV networks have decided to sue the Egyptian FA (EFA) and the public Radio and TV Union (ERTU) after being prevented from broadcasting a league game for Ahli.

Ahli fulfilled their threat of not allowing the likes of Modern, Dream, Al-Hayat and Orbit channels to air their Egyptian League game against Asyut Petroleum on Wednesday.

The ERTU, whose earlier stance seemed to be in favor of the TV networks, surprisingly gave the Red Devils the all-clear to do so.

Although the EFA opposed Ahli's decision, they did not take an action to halt the Cairo giants' plan.

Consequently, the TV networks decided to take the matter to court to preserve their rights.

It was a logical action, given that they achieve large commercial revenues from broadcasting Ahli's games due to the huge popularity of the five-time African champions.

Ahli's Stance

Once they launched their satellite channel in August, Ahli sought to gain the exclusive rights of broadcasting their home league games.

Three years ago, the EFA sold those rights to several TV networks. Ahli believe they have are the sole party responsible for that.

There is confusion in Egypt over who owns the broadcasting rights.

All Egyptian Premier League clubs, with the exception of Ahli, previously authorized the EFA to sell their broadcasting rights.

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