ESS Scores Asian Football Tournament

SINGAPORE: ESPN STAR Sports has picked up the pay-TV rights to the Asian Football Federation’s Asian Cup 2011, taking place in Qatar, for 24 territories in the region.

The deal with the World Sport Group brings the AFC Asian Cup to multiple ESPN STAR Sports platforms. All 32 matches will be broadcast on ESPN and STAR Sports networks, with HD broadcasts on ESPN HD. Coverage will also be offered online on the ESPN Player. The pan-regional sports broadcaster will also launch the 16-part series Road to Doha, highlighting teams as they prepare for the tournament, set for January 7 to 29.

"With our focused approach and commitment to build Asian football over the years, the property today has a high level of traction and immense appeal across our broadcast footprint with devoted fans across the region following their favourite teams and players," said Craig Dobbs, executive VP of programming and production at ESPN STAR Sports. "The region’s appetite for Asian football has been showing definite signs of growth, and our plans to enhance the broadcast and interactivity of the matches underline our commitment to football fans, which will provide coverage like they have never seen before.”

“Our partnership with ESPN STAR Sports provides us with greater opportunities to enhance the fans’ experience and reach the widest possible audience across the region," noted James Clarke, senior VP of content at World Sport Group. "With extensive coverage across multiple media platforms, fans can access the very best of Asian football action in virtually every part of Asia at any time of the day. This will also provide AFC Asian Cup 2011 partners opportunities to extend their reach to larger audiences of potential customers."