The ABC has been announced as the free-to-air broadcaster for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. A deal has been brokered between Broadcast rights holders of the event, FOX SPORTS, along with the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 Local Organising Committee, Football Federation Australia and the ABC, which will make all Socceroos games in the tournament available on free to air television, as well as the anticipated Japan versus Australia Friendly on November 18. According to the terms of the deal means every match of the tournament will receive commercial-free FTA coverage on the ABC through a nightly highlights show at 10pm. ABC Radio is also the official Radio Broadcaster for the AFC Asian Cup, complementing its role as the radio destination for the A League.
Director of Television, Richard Finlayson, said the ABC was honoured to be able to work with FOX SPORTS to bring a major international event, featuring one of Australia’s most-loved teams, to all Australians.
“We felt strongly that this significant sporting and cultural event should be made available to all Australians, and with additional support from the FFA, we were able to work out a deal with FOX SPORTS to release some key games,” Mr Finlayson said.
Mr Finlayson explained that the package of up to nine games, will see the Japan Friendly, and all Socceroos Finals matches in the Asian Cup broadcast live, while pool matches and other Finals will be on delay following the FOX SPORTS live coverage, All ABCTV matches will also be made available streamed on iview, concurrent with the TV broadcast.
Michael Brown, CEO of the Asian Cup Local Organising Committee, said the agreement between the broadcasters will “create an even bigger audience for a once-in-a-generation event that will put Australia firmly in the Asian and indeed global spotlight”.
FFA CEO, David Gallop, said Australians were set for a set for an unprecedented feast of world class football, in their own backyard.
“The stature of the event has been recognised by the Federal, NSW, Queensland, Victoria and ACT Governments who have generously supported the event. To have a multi-platform, subscription and free to air broadcast partnership gives all Australians the chance to watch the Socceroos as they strive to achieve the mantle of Asia’s best football team. The FFA has strong relationships with a number of broadcasters and in this case the ABC was uniquely positioned, across TV, Radio and Online to join with us and Fox Sports in bringing the AFC Asian Cup to as many Australians as possible.” Mr Gallop commented.