Egypt hopes to use soccer to score influence in Africa
Is Egyptian media group's $600 million plan to purchase the broadcasting rights to African soccer games good business or an attempt to boost Egypt's diplomatic prestige?
CAIRO — Presentation Sports submitted a proposal in late August to buy the broadcasting rights of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) championships until 2029 for $600 million. This is considered the first time an Egyptian company will compete with international private broadcasting companies, notably beIN Sports, which has had a monopoly on broadcasting rights to CAF championships for years.
Ahmed Abou Hashima, an Egyptian businessman and owner of Presentation Sports, commented on the offer on his official Facebook page Aug. 30, saying, "We do our best to put Egypt's name at the forefront with regard to Africa in all fields, especially sports."
Presentation Sports’ proposal includes buying the broadcasting rights of the Africa Cup of Nations, the CAF Champions League, the CAF Confederation Cup, the CAF Super Cup, the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.
Many questions have been asked about why an Egyptian company would present such an expensive proposal during an economic crisis, doubting the political motives behind it.
