كتب : Hatem Maher
"The offer may prompt us to halt our current policy to sell the league’s satellite rights to several TV networks," an Egyptian FA official, who refused to be named, told FilGoal.com.
"The latest offer is four times more than what the current broadcasters give us."
Since being elected as Egyptian FA chairman in 2005, Samir Zaher employed a new strategy to generate much more revenues for small clubs, who suffer from repeated financial disputes.
"The clubs will benefit if we accept the latest offer because their allocation will increase," the official added.
After persistent efforts, the Egyptian League satellite rights were sold to several local and foreign networks.
Arab Radio and Television (ART), Dream TV, Orbit Network and Modern TV acquired the rights to air the most prestigious competition in the Arab region.
Each network pays EGP three million every season.
Imminent Problems
Despite the fact that some clubs will benefit from the new offer, there are others who want to launch channels of their own.
Cairo giants Ahli announced last year that they would have a club channel and expressed their intention to exclusively broadcast their matches.
Ahli’s demand will most likely spark a row between the club and the Egyptian FA, who believes that the Red Devils’ encounters play a key role in attracting suitors.
Ittihad of Alexandria also said they have signed a deal with Dream TV to launch their own channel.