December 4 – Channel 4 will broadcast the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the United Kingdom following a broadcast deal with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Africa’s governing body announced the news that the free-to-air channel will be home to the continent’s flagship tournament.
CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba said: “The agreement with between CAF and Channel 4 is historic in many ways and it ensures that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will live in each and every household in the UK for the first time in the history of the competition.
“It affirms AFCON’s position as one of the prime and much-sought after assets in global football. On behalf of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, I welcome Channel 4 to the CAF family and we look forward to a successful partnership that will deliver growth for both parties.”
Pete Andrews, head of sport, Channel 4, added: “Bringing the excitement and drama of the CAF African Cup of Nations exclusively to UK free-to-air television for the first time is such a compelling proposition for Channel 4.
“So many Premier League stars will be playing in the tournament and having Liverpool legend Mo Salah on Channel 4 on Boxing Day, when traditional Premier League football coverage has been reduced elsewhere, means football fans will still be able to get their thrill of festive fixtures.”
The rights deal was facilitated in partnership with IMG, CAF’s international media rights and sponsorship agency. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
In the UK, Sky Sports aired the previous Africa Cup of Nations editions in 2023 and 2024, having held the rights to every match at the 2022 tournament. That year, the BBC also broadcast 10 free-to-air games, including both semi-finals and the final.
The 2025 iteration in Morocco kicks off on December 21 when the hosts play Comoros. The tournament culminates with the final on January 18. Ivory Coast are the reigning champions.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]