In the latest of a long list of back-and-forth moves, the General Authority for Competition for Saudi Arabia has cancelled Qatar-based beIN Media Group’s license to broadcast in the country, along with placing a $2.6m fine on the company.
According to the Authority, the sanctions have been placed upon beIN due to violation of competition laws in Saudi Arabia.
The row has arisen from the emergence of the pirate channel called beoutQ, which beIN claim undeniable evidence that Saudi-headquartered communications satellite operator Arabsat is backing.
All 20 English Premier League matches from the first two game-weeks were broadcast by beoutQ, with the league issuing a statement today supporting its partner – beIN Media Group – with the following statement:
“The Premier League has seen compelling evidence demonstrating “beoutQ” is a highly-sophisticated pirate operation which has used the services of satellite provider Arabsat to distribute the illegal content.”
Alongside the Premier League, the French Football League (LFP) have stated that they have escalated the matter to the European Commission.