SuperSport TV viewers will miss out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as Multichoice failed to secure broadcast rights for the tournament.
The sports network, owned by Multichoice, announced that it would not be airing the AFCON, scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from January to February. This development comes after SuperSport lost the bid for broadcast rights to a Togo-based broadcaster.
While SuperSport has been a reliable broadcaster of various African competitions over the years, it has shown less interest in displaying Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions recently. The network was notably disinterested in broadcasting the newly launched African Football League, where Mamelodi Sundowns emerged as the inaugural champions.
In an official statement released on January 3, Multichoice confirmed its failure to secure the rights to broadcast the continental spectacle. CAF awarded the broadcasting rights to Togo’s New World TV, with CAF president Patrice Motsepe describing the agreement as a mega deal unmatched by any other broadcaster.
“The Media Rights Agreement with New World TV is the biggest investment by a Pan-African broadcaster in CAF’s history,” said Motsepe. “We are very proud to partner with such a globally competitive and innovative broadcasting company, which has adapted quickly to the changing demands and viewing patterns of the modern football audience.”
Motsepe highlighted New World TV’s introduction of new ways to consume video content, including partnerships with mobile operators and television networks. The AFCON is set to kick off on January 13, with Ivory Coast hosting Guinea-Bissau in the opening match. Other notable fixtures include Egypt vs. Ghana on January 18 and defending champions Senegal facing Cameroon a day later.
