RIYADH: BeIN Sports could soon be back on air in Saudi Arabia after reports that the Qatar-based sportscaster has gained streaming rights throughout the Kingdom.
The Qatari sport channel’s subscriptions and streaming devices will now be permitted and available for purchase after a ban of more than three years. beIN Sports has a variety of channels that have exclusive rights to stream worldwide championships across the Middle East.
In its official response to the reports, BeIN Sports issued a statement denying the legal blockade of their channels being shown in Saudi Arabia has been lifted.
The statement read: “Nothing has materially changed as far as we are aware at this stage – we are constantly monitoring. Our website is still fully blocked in Saudi Arabia and we have received no official communication from the Saudi authorities to suggest that our license has been re-instated.”
The statement continues: “However, like everyone, we are hopeful of positive moves by Saudi to allow beIN operations back in the country after 3.5 years. We await to see.”
A court case, which has been brought by beIN under international arbitration rules and claimed over $1 billion in damages against Saudi Arabia, is still pending. The arbitration will be held in London.
A source familiar with the matter told Reuters beIN would withdraw the case once the broadcaster is allowed back in the kingdom, part of a wider political reconciliation between the two countries.
