Al Jazeera to show some World Cup matches for free

Tuesday, 8 June 2010 7:28 AM

Qatar-based Al Jazeera Sport will broadcast some matches of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa free of charge and without the need of a special $100 viewing card, it was reported on Tuesday.

Under FIFA broadcast conditions, Al Jazeera, which has the exclusive rights for the Middle East region, must show the opening ceremony, the first match and the final of the prestigious tournament free, Qatar daily Gulf Times reported.

The paper added that Al Jazeera Sport was also considering showing for free the semi-finals as well as the matches involving Algeria, citing a source at the TV company.

"All rights holders will have to air the opening ceremony, the first match on June 11 (South Africa v Mexico) and the final on July 11 free. That’s part of an agreement with FIFA, but Al Jazeera Sport may go a step further and telecast for free the semi-finals as well," the source told the paper.

"There is also a plan to air Algeria’s matches free because it’s the only country from the Arab world to qualify for the event,” he added.

Football fans wishing to watch all the matches will have to shell out QR355 for a new Al Jazeera card or sign up to a special package offered by local cable providers.

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Posted by: Rahmath Firaz Sunday, 20 June 2010 11:57 AM[UAE] - Qatar

It is irritating to watch the world cup matches on tv inspite of paying 300.00 Qr which will roughly come up to 4000.00 INR. We have been cheated of 300.00 Qr. Sorry to say this.

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Posted by: Vanda Monday, 14 June 2010 3:31 PM[UAE] - UAE

Anil Bhoyrul - Snapts on your football letter to Du. Would you please write a letter to Al Jazeera now. Channel the voice of the people!

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Posted by: Tafazzul Monday, 14 June 2010 3:10 PM[UAE]

I totally agree with Anwar, a decent nite out costs atleast AED 500/- and here we have to pay only 350/- to enjoy 30 days of best football action but Aljazeera should make sure that they broadcast the matches uninterrupted to the paying public. Thats the least to expect after paying for TV channels. My friends in India are enjoying excellent coverage on ESPN that too without paying a penny extra. Cheers,

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Posted by: James Monday, 14 June 2010 12:25 PM[UAE] - UAE

Seriously guys, where do you think AB makes revenues from to keep the online site going? That's right, advertising revenue. There is no such thing as a free lunch, so unless they start charging subscriptions you're going to have to put up with adverts and pop-ups. Mildly irritating perhaps, but nothing to get worked up over. In the time worn phrase of Dubai, if you don't like it then go elsewhere :) After all, no one is forcing you to read AB.

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Posted by: MK Monday, 14 June 2010 8:58 AM[UAE]

Have to agree with Mark, the level of obtrusive atvertising is driving me wild! Get rid of the 'pop up' stuff really AB. I will never buy enything from a pop up that affects my reading of an article.

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