Pay-television broadcasters Sony Pictures Networks and Star Sports have both reportedly turned down the opportunity to acquire rights to the Copa América, leaving this year’s edition of the national team football tournament without a broadcast partner in the Indian subcontinent days ahead of kick-off.
The Inside Sport website said Star had little interest in the event whilst it is also broadcasting the ongoing Cricket World Cup.
Sony, traditionally the home of football in India, is said to be unwilling to match the asking price for the rights.
Sony acquired rights to the last Copa América event – the Copa América Centenario. This was a one-off event featuring nations from North America, Central America and the Caribbean as well as the South American Conmebol teams.
The 2019 Copa América takes place in Brazil from June 14 to July 7.