ITV grabs Africa Cup of Nations

UK commercial broadcaster ITV has acquired the rights to the Africa Cup of Nations, which is taking place in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea from January 21 to February 12.

The broadcaster will show four matches live on its digital channel ITV. In addition to the group-stage match between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, it will show one quarter-final, one semi-final and the final, with the matches simulcast on the broadcaster’s website. ITV4 will also show regular highlights programmes.

ITV’s controller of sport Niall Sloane said that the Africa Cup of Nations was “a major football event with a huge following in the UK.” He added: “I’m delighted that we’ll be offering viewers free-to-air live coverage and highlights throughout the tournament on ITV4.”