No free World Cup?
I guess Al-Jazeera has to make money off the World Cup.
Some World Cup matches to be telecast for free
By Anil John
Sports Editor
Some matches of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa would be telecast free of charge, Gulf Times has learned.
FIFA broadcast conditions make it mandatory for television companies holding territorial rights to air the opening ceremony, the first match and the final of the prestigious tournament free, considering the mass appeal of the game across the world.
But Al Jazeera Sport, which holds the rights for the region, may also telecast for free the semi-finals as well as the matches involving Algeria as a special gesture, a source told Gulf Times.
“All rights holders will have to air the opening ceremony, the first match on June 11 (South Africa v Mexico) and the final on July 11 free. That’s part of an agreement with FIFA, but Al Jazeera Sport may go a step further and telecast for free the semi-finals as well,” he said.
‘There is also a plan to air Algeria’s matches free because it’s the only country from the Arab world to qualify for the event,” he
added.
However, football fans wishing to watch all the matches will have to shell out QR355 for a new Al Jazeera card. Those who already have access to Al Jazeera’s sports channels need not buy another card but recharge their existing card by QR355.
Al Jazeera, which bought ART’s sports channels for a deal topping $1bn last year, has established itself as the leading sports broadcaster in the Middle East with rights to several top-notch events.
Oye no place in my place, look somewhere else. I have invited all the female Brazilian fans to my place to watch it :D
This is just Qatar in a nutshell.
If the country had bars where you drink, then this would be completely the opposite.
It's only because the economy won't benefit from people watching it in public places.
I am a total Qatar defender but seriously, they make it so hard to love this country sometimes.
Everyone here works so hard, such long hours to keep the society running smoothly, don't we deserve simple access to football?
Why is everything made so difficult to obtain here?
It is hardly a minority sport. One of the key things here is 'the only arabic nation to qualify...'.
Yeah, sour grapes that the focus of the world isn't on the Middle East for a month.
No way! You have to pay to watch the world cup here?
But how are you going to have sex? Unless.... I don't want to think abt it. : )
Avid....I dont mind ...lol...except I dont have Tata Sky :(....
I was thinking of moving in with WK :(
And I'll be quiet too. Especially during your weekly sex sessions. : )
You get everything on Tata Sky...at dirt cheap rates...
June is going to be lovely month.....
FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon....no wonder one of the lovely chicks of QL goes my that name :)
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20091105051037/Al%20Jazeera%20in%20$2.75bn%20ART%20channels%20deal
ART was purchased for higher price.
and you'll get a glimpse of the good plays. Then, after July 11, everything will be free!