Sport | Football
Portsmouth to benefit from broadcast rights
Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, an eminent sportsman in the nation's capital, expressed delight over the granting to the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel of exclusive Middle East and North Africa broadcast rights for the English Premier League.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
- Published: 23:26 July 3, 2009
Abu Dhabi: Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, an eminent sportsman in the nation's capital, expressed delight over the granting to the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel of exclusive Middle East and North Africa broadcast rights for the English Premier League.
"I am happy that the EPL's telecast on Abu Dhabi Sports Channels has come at the right time," he told Gulf News on Friday.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Channel will be airing matches of the EPL beginning on the 2010/11 season, all the way up to the 2012/13 season.
Al Fahim, who played a lead role in Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover of Manchester City, is in the final stages of wrapping up the purchase of Portsmouth, which placed 14th in the EPL last season.
He said the broadcast breakthrough will eventually be beneficial to Portsmouth.
"Manchester City and Etihad Airways are now an integral part as far as the UAE is concerned and this free-to-air telecast of the EPL will ensure the league gains a broader base in the UAE and the region," Al Fahim said.
"As far as Portsmouth is concerned it will also be a tremendous boost as the club is not very well known in the region. This move will help more fans in the UAE and the region to get to see clubs in action," he added.
Al Fahim struck the acquisition deal with Portsmouth Chief Executive Peter Storrie in Rome during the Champions League final. He stands to become the third owner in four years of the Fratton Park-based club.
Portsmouth, which twice won the FA Cup, has been based there since 1898.
"The process of due diligence' is on and in a few days from now the deal will be through," Al Fahim said.
When asked whether the club acquisition would pave the way for UAE players to break into the EPL, Al Fahim said: "I have said in the past that I like a few players.
"However it is the technical team, under the manager and coach, which will have the final say on the selection of players.
"But I do feel that some of the UAE players are so highly skilled that they can play in any of the European Leagues."
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