Sportdigital confirmed as a media broadcaster for AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023

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AFC Asian Cup
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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has expanded its media collaboration with Sportdigital to showcase the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The current deal with AFC has shown live coverage of the U23 Asian Cup back in June and will cover the tournament again in 2024, as well as all the AFC men’s youth competitions, the AFC Cup and every game of the Futsal men’s national team competitions.

With the partnership now expanded, it will include AFC’s flagship men’s national team competition – AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

Sportdigital FUSSBALL is the first pay channel for international live football games showing leagues from 22 competitions across six continents such as the CONCACAF Champions League, Primeira Liga in Portugal and CAF World Cup Qualifier.

Managing Director of Sportdigital Fussball, Gisbert Wundram, said in a statement:

“The passion for football is continually on the rise, so we are confident that the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 will be widely celebrated as a football spectacle, boasting world-class arenas with highly attractive teams and talents, we are very proud to be the only broadcaster of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 in the German-speaking part of the world, providing comprehensive and exclusive coverage of this great competition.”

AFC General Secretary, Datuk Seri Windsor John, added via press release:

“Each edition of the AFC Asian Cup has reached new records in TV viewership and digital engagement and this partnership is yet another fine example of the ever-expanding stature of Asia’s crown jewel.”

Board Member and CEO at Football Marketing Asia, Patrick Murphy, said via press release:

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Sportdigital in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We look forward to working closely with Sportdigital to bring the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, Asia’s premier men’s national team football competition to audiences in these territories through Sportdigital’s premium broadcast services.”

To find more information on Sportdigital FUSSBALL, click here.

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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

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Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier
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Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

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Image Credits: Football Australia

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

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