AFC cancels BeIN’s football broadcasting rights in Saudi Arabia

The decision ends BeIN's "monopoly" over showing Asian Champions League matches. (AFP)
Updated 12 March 2019
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AFC cancels BeIN’s football broadcasting rights in Saudi Arabia

  • Saudi Football Federation says the decision brought to an end BeIN’s monopoly over the AFC’s Champions League matches in Saudi Arabia
  • The decision against the Qatari broadcaster starts with Tuesday’s Asian Champions League match between Saudi side Al-Hilal and Qatar’s Al-Duhail

JEDDAH: The Asian Football Confederation has canceled the exclusive rights of BeIN Sport to broadcast its football matches in Saudi Arabia.

The decision against the Qatari broadcaster starts with Tuesday’s Asian Champions League match between Saudi side Al-Hilal and Qatar’s Al-Duhail, the Saudi Football Federation said.

The statement said the move brought to an end BeIN’s monopoly over the AFC’s Champions League matches in Saudi Arabia.

The federation said it had received a letter from the AFC stating that the Qatari network’s rights to broadcast the matches in Saudi Arabia had been canceled.

The AFC said the decision is based on communications and legal reasoning that included BeIN’s “illegal broadcasting”, and the “systemic violations it committed against the Kingdom’s regulations.”

It also blamed the network’s inability to extract the necessary licenses to fulfill its obligations to broadcast the matches to its subscribers in Saudi Arabia. 

The Saudi federation said it would offer  a broadcast crew of commentators and analysts and will work out the necessary technical arrangements to help cover the matches.  


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.