BeIN, du sign deal to broadcast Fifa World Cup in UAE

Germany's coach Joachim Loew speaks to his players during a training session at the Rungghof training center in Girlan, near Bolzano, northern Italy, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.-AFP

Football fans across the UAE let out a sigh of relief on Monday, after du announced that beIN Sports Channels have resumed regular broadcasting on its network.

The relief was met with some confusion by sports fans however; as beIN had released a statement on Sunday saying it had "not been able to reach an agreement to continue its services over du's network".

The earlier news left sports fans reeling, with many complaining that the late announcement - just days ahead of the Fifa World Cup kick-off - meant they were now left scrambling for alternatives to watching the month-long tournament.

But Monday's sudden development has been described as music to fans ears. 

"For football fanatics like me, it was the news we were waiting for. It will be music to all of our ears," British expatriate Leeton Read told Khaleej Times. 

But like many, he did question the back and forth developments that have been going on over the past few days. 

"I'm not quite sure why the two statements were so conflicting less than a day apart, but I guess that's just how business works. All I care about is getting to see the World Cup matches. And now I don't have to switch providers or watch it on a fuzzy computer screen," he said. 

This latest announcement now means du Home customers will be able to watch one of the world's biggest sporting events on TV, live and in full HD; a luxury many sports fans thought had been pulled from under their feet less than 24 hours before.

In Monday's statement from du, it announced the launch of four exclusive beIN Sports channels for the World Cup.

After days of deliberations, du and beIN Sports finally reached an agreement to offer du customers live and in full HD the 64 matches across four exclusive beIN Sports channels.

Customers who wish to subscribe for this exclusive standalone package for the duration of the World Cup can do so at a cost of Dh551.

"We are delighted to offer this incredible event to our valued customers by screening all 64 football matches across our dedicated beIN Sports channels. We continue to offer complete transparency of service for our customers, here enabling them to enjoy the biggest showpiece in the football calendar," Fahad Al Hassawi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Telco Services, EITC said. 

When Khaleej Times spoke to JLT resident Jayj Shah on Sunday, he said beIN's initial announcement was not what he wanted to hear, just days ahead of the World Cup.

But on Monday, like many gearing up for the world's most popular football tournament, it was a great relief.

"What's important now is that I get to watch the World Cup from home. It's a good development, something that will please all fans here in Dubai. It also means I won't be left seeking alternative options to watching the games elsewhere."  
A statement issued by du said:

Football fans will not want to miss out on the latest World Cup offer as du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), announces the launch of four exclusive beIN SPORTS channels for the World Cup. du and beIN SPORTS have reached an agreement to offer du customers live and in full HD the 64 matches across four exclusive beIN SPORTS channels. Customers who wish to subscribe for this exclusive standalone package for the duration of the World Cup can do so at a cost of AED551.
 
"We are delighted to offer this incredible event to our valued customers and add life to life by screening all 64 football matches across our dedicated beIN SPORTS channels. We continue to offer complete transparency of service for our customers, here enabling them to enjoy the biggest showpiece in the football calendar," said Fahad Al Hassawi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Telco Services, EITC.
 
beIN SPORTS Channels have resumed regular broadcasting.

kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai