CAF: broadcast contract with beIN Media Group unilaterally terminated at beginning of September 2023

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unilaterally terminated its broadcasting contract with Qatari pay-TV group beIN Media Group at the beginning of September 2023.

According to several media reports, the decision was prompted by a default on payment of $80m (€74.8m) by its co-contractor. beIN held the broadcasting rights to CAF competitions over the 2017-2028 cycle for an estimated $415m (€388m). The agreement covers more than 40 countries in the MENA and APAC regions, as well as France, the United States and Canada. However, the qualifying matches for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (scheduled for 13/01 to 11/02/2024) are still due to be be broadcast in France as of 12/09/2023.

"We are, of course, taking all necessary steps to robustly defend our legal position. I must make clear to you that beIN does not accept this termination and will take all necessary legal steps to challenge and overturn it," said Yousef Al-Obaidly, CEO of beIN Media Group, in a letter to CAF following the decision.

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