The BBC has secured the UK broadcast rights for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast.
As per the deal, the free-to-air broadcaster will provide coverage of 10 matches alongside highlights from other games that will be available across BBC Sport online and social media channels.
The 34th edition of the tournament kicks off on Saturday 13th January with the opening match between Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau broadcast live on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.
The group stage clash between Ghana v Egypt will also be broadcast live on Thursday 18th January along with Zambia v Morocco on Wednesday 24th January.
BBC Three and iPlayer will bring audiences two matches from the round of 16, two from the quarterfinals, both semi-finals and the final.
Jermaine Jenas has been announced has the host for both semi-finals and the final and will be joined by ‘a lineup of esteemed African international players’.
Stephen Lyle, Head of Football BBC Sport, says: “We are thrilled to bring audiences live, free to air coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations once again. In 2021, AFCON delivered the highest audience for BBC Three since it returned as a linear channel at 1.3m, demonstrating the strong demand from audiences. Our TV rights package includes 10 matches from across every stage of the competition, meaning fans can follow the excitement and drama of this huge international competition from beginning to end”.
BBC Sport’s rights portfolio also includes the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the Olympic Games, The FA Cup, Wimbledon Championships, the Six Nations and the Premier League.
AFCON SCORES UNILEVER DEAL
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