Canal Plus Afrique nets long-term rights deal for Caf events

Pay-television broadcaster Canal Plus Afrique has agreed a seven-year deal with the Confederation of African Football and the Lagardère Sports agency for rights to club and national team competitions staged by the continental governing body.

The agreement will commence in January and runs through to the end of 2023. Under the deal, Canal Plus channels will broadcast Caf competitions in Francophone African markets.

The forthcoming 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, Caf’s showpiece national team tournament, is set to be the first competition under the new agreement. Gabon is hosting next year’s event from January 14 to February 5.

The fresh contract is also set to include the 2019, 2021 and 2023 Cup of Nations, which are scheduled to be held in Cameroon, the Ivory Coast and Guinea, respectively.

Jacques du Puy, president of Canal Plus Overseas, said the new Caf deal confirms Canal Plus Afrique as the leading sports broadcaster in Francophone Africa.