The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) might not broadcast the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifier set to take place on Friday between Zambia and Ghana, reportedly due to high costs.
According to the Zambia Daily Mail, Chibamba Kanyama, director general of the ZNBC, said the French channel, Sport Five, which owns the television rights, is reportedly asking for US$150,000 to cover the event for the broadcaster.
Kanyama said the ZNBC will pay US$150,000 to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in order to televise the 2014 Brazil World Cup finals.
“Sport Five are asking for the same amount FIFA are charging us to televise the World Cup finals for one month,” the Zambia Daily Mail quoted Kanyama as saying.
Kanyama added: “As at now it is a 50/50 situation. If Sport Five insist on US$150,000, we will not televise the match. I am sure Zambians who will not travel to Ghana want to watch the match on television.”
However, Kanyama said members of the ZNBC are attempting to source money. He reportedly called on the Zambian government, stakeholders and corporate organisations to team up with the broadcaster to raise the funds necessary.
