Pay-television broadcaster beIN Sports will resume full live coverage in the Middle East and North Africa of English Premier League football matches that kick off at 15.00 on Saturdays in the UK.
The broadcaster, the exclusive rights-holder of the league in the Middle East and North Africa, had restricted coverage in the so-called ‘Mecca time’ kick-off slot so far this season due to piracy concerns in the UK.
“We are delighted to resume live broadcast of all Saturday ’18.00 Mecca time’ games on beIN Sports channels,” beIN Sports chairman and chief executive Nasser Al-Khelaifi said. “The English Premier League is a primary property and we are very happy to bring back this weekend excitement to our millions of subscribers in the region.”
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore added: “Strong anti-piracy measures used by beIN Sports have proved to be successful and, as a result, we are very happy to revert back our original licensing position from last season.”