Du and beIN Sports reach deal to show World Cup games

Negotiations conclude less than 24 hours after 'stalemate' on rights package to show tournament from Russia

A deal has been reached with beIN for du to show all 64 World Cup matches from Russia.. Mladen Antonov / AFP

Less than 24 hours after Qatar broadcaster beIN sports announced dead-end negotiations would block du customers from viewing World Cup matches, an agreement has now been reached.

The U-turn has been announced by du’s parent company, the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, that a package of 64 World Cup matches from Russia will be available for Dh551.

On Sunday, beIN media group announced lengthy negotiations were unable to unlock an agreement to continue its services over du's network, as a contract between the two parties expired on May 31.

Just hours later, and any issues between the two have been resolved with four beIN Sports channels now reported to be available for du customers during the tournament.

A month of matches begin on Thursday June 14 with hosts Russia taking on Saudi Arabia from Moscow.

“We are delighted to offer this incredible event to our valued customers and add life to life by screening all 64 football matches across our dedicated beIN SPORTS channels,” said Fahad Al Hassawi, deputy chief executive officer, Telco Services, EITC.

“We continue to offer complete transparency of service for our customers, here enabling them to enjoy the biggest showpiece in the football calendar.”

_____________

Read more:

Etisalat offers first Fifa World Cup viewing deals

beIN Sports channels unavailable on du after 'sudden and unexpected loss of the service'