As it did in French-speaking Africa in 2016 with Lagardère Sport, CAF has unilaterally terminated its agreement with BeIN Sports, which was set to run until 2028, for the broadcasting of its competitions in the Middle East, North Africa, France, the United States, and several Asian countries.
This decision follows a conflict between the two organizations related to the COVID crisis.
During this period, numerous broadcasts were canceled without financial compensation for the broadcaster, which apparently withheld sums of money pending proposals from CAF. CAF asked the broadcaster to settle these sums, which it considers to be unpaid, and, faced with its refusal, has just unilaterally canceled the agreement for "failure to pay by the broadcaster."
The CEO of BeIN Media Group, Yousef Al-Obaidly, has announced his intention to refuse the unilateral cancellation of the agreement. "… BeIN does not accept this termination and will take all necessary legal measures to challenge and overturn it."
This deadlock comes amid Saudi Arabia's offensive, which is stepping up its initiatives in the field of soccer, and as qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, club competitions, and the African Champions League continue.
It should be noted that in French-speaking Africa, CAF competitions will be broadcast on pay TV on CANAL+ until 2024, and that the next Africa Cup of Nations, to be held in Côte d'Ivoire, will be broadcast on free-to-air TV on RTI.