Chinese TV station, Star Times wins UEFA media rights for sub-Saharan Africa

UEFA has announced that the 2012-15 free-to-air media rights for the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League in sub-Saharan Africa have been awarded to Chinese television station, Star Times.

Star Times will ensure the distribution of media rights to free-to-air broadcasters throughout the region excluding South Africa, Europe’s football governing body said in a statement.

“The UEFA Champions League media rights consist of the Wednesday first match pick, including the UEFA Champions League final and the UEFA Super Cup, and one highlights programme per match-week. The UEFA Europa League media rights handed to Star Times comprise the first-choice game and one highlights programme every match-week,” said UEFA.

According to the body, the announcement follows the recent award of pay rights for both UEFA club competitions in sub-Saharan Africa to SuperSport.

Established in 1988 in China, Star Times, a pioneer and key player in digital television solution in China and Africa has over seven million subscribers and currently operates in eight African countries – Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Guinea, Central African Republic and Burundi.

The TV station says it is working on providing network in more than 20 countries very soon.

By Ekow Quandzie