ABU DHABI // Football fans who have signed up with Al Jazeera Sport are still in the dark about when – or if – they will be able to watch the match of their choice on Saturdays.
Last Saturday the channel broadcast only one 3pm UK-time kick-off game. The following day it was reported that the reduced service was because of concerns from the Barclays Premier League that matches were being watched illegally in the UK from Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera Sport has been unavailable for comment and it is still unknown how long the disruption will last, or if subscribers will get their money back.
Many subscribers expressed their anger at the situation.
“I was denied access to the Swansea v Fulham game,” said Mark Regan.
“I was very angry at the time and perplexed by what was going on. Since then I have called Etisalat, who provide me with the Al Jazeera Sport package, and they said that it is nothing to do with them, despite being the company who collect the monthly premium.
“They said that I should call Al Jazeera Sport directly as I was their customer. So I asked Etisalat for their number but they said that they couldn’t give it to me but said that I should call 161 [enquiries] and that I could get it there. I did this but they were also unable to give me a contact number for Al Jazeera.”
Mr Regan said he was considering cancelling his Al Jazeera subscription.
“Having not been able to contact Al Jazeera Sport , I have sent three emails to them but I have had no replies. If this lack of communication continues then I will also cancel the package. Is anyone going to take responsibility?”
ksinclair@thenational.ae
