Nations Cup blackout for Zambia

By Kennedy Gondwe
BBC Sport, Lusaka

The ZNBC cannot afford the rights fee to screen the Nations Cup

The Africa Cup of Nations will not be broadcast on national television in Zambia.

The Chipolopolo are playing in Group C, but fans back home will not be able to watch them play unless they have access to satellite television.

The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) failed to raise the sum demanded by rights holders LC2.

ZNBC director general Joseph Salasini told BBC Sport that LC2 initially asked for US$1.8m.

The figure was reduced to US$1.5 million, but the ZNBC managed to raise only US$150,000 towards the amount required.

"This level of broadcast rights is unprecedented in the history of African football," said Salasini.

"This amount is close to ZNBC's sales budget for a quarter."

It's wrong to exploit the passion of African people regarding football Joseph Salasini

Salasini said his institution cannot raise the remainder of the money, despite embarking on a rigorous fundraising campaign last year.

"As director-general of the ZNBC, I have the solemn duty and burden to face and inform the nation about this unpleasant position," he said.

"As Zambians, we have a choice of putting money into football or securing the lives of the people who are affected by floods," he added.

"I think what we have seen is that those holding broadcast rights are essentially looking at exploiting the nature of football in Africa, which is wrong.

"It's wrong to exploit the passion of African people regarding football."