September 14, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has today announced Sport 24 as their in-flight and in-ship partner through to 2024. The IMG-owned and-operated service will broadcast the AFC\u2019s national team and club competitions (excluding domestic rights in China PR, Japan and Australia), including the AFC Asian Qualifiers \u2013 Road to QatarTM and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023TM, as well as the AFC Champions LeagueTM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Launched in 2012, Sport 24 and sister channel Sport 24 Extra are the world\u2019s only live 24\/7 sports channels for the in-flight and in-ship industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AFC\u2019s competitions will be added to Sport 24\u2019s portfolio, which includes some of the world\u2019s major sporting events and leagues including the Premier League, UEFA Champions & Europa League, UEFA European Qualifiers, NFL, NBA, NHL, tennis\u2019 Grand Slams, golf\u2019s majors plus the rescheduled Ryder Cup. Earlier this summer, Sport 24 broadcast the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and UEFA EURO 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recently, Sport 24 extended their distribution deal with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to further expand their distribution in the in-flight and in-ship space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dato\u2019 Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: \u201cThe AFC has outlined its ambitions to ensure football continues to be the Continent\u2019s most popular sport and we want to thank Sport 24 and IMG for their confidence and for sharing our Vision to expand the reach of the AFC\u2019s brand and competitions to our passionate fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis partnership presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the best of Asian football to one of the widest ever in-flight and in-ship audiences in the world, ensuring that the AFC\u2019s world-class competitions are accessible to all fans whether on land, in the air or at sea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard Wise, Senior Vice President, Content and Channels, IMG\u2019s media business, said: \u201cThis deal marks an exciting extension of our sports portfolio and we are delighted to bring Asia\u2019s top national team and club competitions to our audiences. The AFC Champions League features the best clubs on the Continent and we are looking forward to showing the best Asian football action over the next four years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patrick Murphy, Board Member and CEO at Football Marketing Asia (FMA) said: \u201cWe are pleased to welcome Sport 24 as the AFC\u2019s new media partner. Our mission has always been to increase the accessibility of Asian football; hence we are proud to see the AFC\u2019s national team and club competitions being added to the on-board entertainment offerings of the world\u2019s leading airlines and cruise ship operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are looking forward to working with Sport 24 to provide a seamless AFC football experience for passengers, and to continue to grow the audience of Asian football fans worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n