Costa Rican pay-television channel FUTV has said it is in talks over a carriage deal with cable television provider Tigo.
FUTV, which is exclusively dedicated to football, launched in February and holds exclusive rights to matches played by club sides Saprissa, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, Herediano, Cartaginés, Grecia, Pérez Zeledón and Limón.
Ahead of the launch, Tigo said it was awaiting a commercial proposal from FUTV and the channel stated earlier this month that it was willing to listen to a new offer from the operator.
FUTV has now said: “In response to inquiries from fans, we report that we are in talks with Tigo to incorporate FUTV into its programming grid.”
Costa Rican newspaper La Teja said Tigo is effectively the only major telco in the country that fails to offer FUTV. Tigo’s parent company, Millicom, is this month said to have stated that if it gained access to FUTV it could open up its Tigo Sports channel to other operators.
FUTV added: “This offer must put an end to the arguments and excuses that are presented to justify the refusal to give access to the content of FUTV to Tigo’s clients, who are at the centre of what the company does.
“Likewise, this decision will provide all subscription television users in Costa Rica with the opportunity to fully enjoy Primera División football, promoting competition and the development of the sport.”