By Andrew Warshaw
August 24 – UEFA has finalised the sale in China of media and internet rights for the next three editions of the Champions League and Europa League up until 2015.
European football’s governing body has struck a deal with public broadcaster CCTV for television broadcasts, while internet and mobile rights have gone to SINA and QQ.
No sums have been disclosed.
On every match night, CCTV will broadcast one live Champions League game as well as a highlights programme – available to more than 350 million homes in what is now one of the biggest global markets.
SINA and QQ will each stream two live Champions League matches per edition.
In addition, QQ will stream two live Europa League games per match week and both operators will make available the weekly highlights programme.
“Long-term rights holder CCTV has proven its dedication to the competition and demonstrated that it is best-placed to ensure great access to the competition to football fans in China,” UEFA said in a statement.
With reference to the sale of internet rights, UEFA said: “We are delighted to welcome new internet partner QQ, who joins incumbent rights holder SINA, into the family of UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League broadcasters.
“Both platforms will further develop and enhance the digital presence of the competitions in the territory.”
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