August 25 – Iraq’s PRO Company has become the AFC’s new media partner in Iraq for its national team and club competitions as the confederation sells its rights territory by territory in the middle east following the end of beIN Sport’s deal for pan-Middle Eastern rights.
PRO Company who were only founded in 2018, has a particular strength in its social media channels but will broadcast the AFC’s premium content via its new partnership and sublicense over-the-top (OTT) platform partner in Iraq – Al Rabiaa TV.
The rights acquired cover the AFC’s competitions from 2021 to 2024, including the next rounds of the Qatar 2022 qualifiers which begin September 2 and see 12 teams competing in two groups of six for the World Cup slots.
Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: “Football continues to unify Iraq, who won the AFC Asian Cup in 2007, and we are pleased to be able to provide the passionate fans of Iraq and Asian football with access to high quality AFC competitions, benefiting from PRO Company’s innovative services.”
Other rights included in the deal with PRO Company are the AFC Asian Cup China 2023, the Women’s Asian Cup India 2022, the U23 Asian Cup Finals 2022 and 2024 as well as the Champions League and the AFC Cup.
Yousif Al-Khafajy, founder and CEO of PRO Company, said: “This four-year partnership is a step forward for us in achieving our company’s strategic objective by successfully bringing our football community closer together.
“Alongside the AFC and our media partners, Iraqi football lovers will watch their national team and local football clubs through new and innovative technologies, which will be introduced for the first time in our country’s history. Moreover, I would like to thank the AFC for their successful strategy in expanding Asian football across the globe as well as individual countries across Asia.”
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