UAE football goes global with online PLC-TV.ae deal

Waleed Ebrahim Al Hosani (right) acting chief executive officer PLC, Ali Al Shaiba (left) CEO TV.ae during a Press conference held at Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi - PLC is going all out to bring fans to the stadium

By Ashwani Kumar

Published: Thu 24 Nov 2016, 10:18 PM

Last updated: Fri 2 Dec 2016, 10:01 AM

Football in the UAE is going global. A deal was signed between the Pro-League Committee and TV.ae on Wednesday to show all the Arabian Gulf League and Cup, Super Cup, U21 matches online live.
TV.ae chief executive officer Ali Al Shaiba and PLC acting chief executive officer Waleed Ebrahim Al Hosani signed the agreement that will see all matches being shown live on www.tv.ae with immediate effect.
PLC deputy chairman and head of marketing Yusuf Al Khoori said such an initiative is taken to boost viewership, fan following and generate revenue for the clubs.
"This partnership is with TV.ae internet service. The agreement is for three years. We want to assure good revenue for the clubs. The monthly subscription will be available for Dh25."
According to Khoori, this is a big step. "We are expanding our reach to another level. Now people who live abroad can watch their favourite teams play. Even those who are interested in the UAE football can check out their stars from anywhere in the world."
Khoori said the PLC is going all out to bring fans to the stadium.
"Technology is moving too fast and we have to keep up with it. We have to live with it. The online partner will add value for us. We are working with the clubs and holding individual meetings with them. We are also hiring professional marketing firm for assessment. And all this should bear results soon," he added.
TV.ae chief executive officer Ali Al Shaiba said the service is subscription based. "For the first time AGL is going global."
The website www.tv.ae will also feature press conferences, interviews and other contents.
"We are happy to cater to the growing demands of people. We are providing HD streaming. They can be in comfort of their home or in desert but can easily enjoy with their family."
Also, full matches will be available on-demand 72 hours after the match. "We will also have specific contents - best goals, top saves among others. We will have lot of new ideas coming up in future," Shaiba added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com