The Africa Cup of Nations will not be broadcast on national television in Zambia since the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) cannot afford the rights fee to screen the Nations Cup.
The Chipolopolo are playing in Group C, but fans back home will not be able to watch them, that is unless they have access to satellite television.
The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) failed to raise the sum demanded by rights holders LC2.
ZNBC director general, Joseph Salasini, told BBC Sport that LC2 initially asked for $1.78 million.
The figure was later reduced to 1.48 million, but the ZNBC managed to raise only $150,000 towards the amount required.
"This level of broadcast rights is unprecedented in the history of African football," said Salasini.
"This amount is close to ZNBC's sales budget for a quarter. It's wrong to exploit the passion of African people regarding football”, said Salasini.
Salasini said his institution cannot raise the remainder of the money, despite embarking on a rigorous fundraising campaign last year.
"As director-general of the ZNBC, I have the solemn duty and burden to face and inform the nation about this unpleasant position," he said.
"As Zambians, we have a choice of putting money into football or securing the lives of the people who are affected by floods," he said.
"I think what we have seen is that those holding broadcast rights are essentially looking at exploiting the nature of football in Africa, which is wrong.”
SOURCE: BBC
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Blekusu Coastal project: We’re reclaiming our coastlines – Housing Minister
33 minutes -
Pricey plantains push Ghana’s market sellers to diversify
35 minutes -
Full list: NPP delegates approve 54 reform motions, reject proposals on youth age, election supervision
1 hour -
WAFCON 2024: Cynthia made it easy – Chantelle hails goalkeeper after penalty saves
1 hour -
Cyber Security Authority boss suspended over use of military bodyguard
1 hour -
WAFCON 2024: I want to make history – Grace Asantewaa dreams of lifting the trophy
2 hours -
Afenyo-Markin accuses NDC of rebranding and claiming credit for NPP projects
2 hours -
2024 WAFCON: Grace Asantewa shines as Black Queens reach semis
2 hours -
WAFCON 2024: Ghana beat Algeria 4-2 on penalties to book semi-final spot for the first time since 2016
2 hours -
NPP Delegates reject motion to shift polling station selection oversight to regional committees
2 hours -
2024 WAFCON: Black Queens set up semifinal clash with hosts Morocco
2 hours -
Dr. Amuasi champions healthy sustainable socio-ecological systems thinking in Lancet One Health Commission Report
2 hours -
Without unity, we’re just individuals with ambition – Afenyo-Markin
2 hours -
Rebecca Tweneboah Darko: Scattered thoughts; Scary times
2 hours -
Koffi Olomide closes Congo’s World Music Festival with a bang
2 hours