Cable TV announced yesterday it had secured exclusive rights to carry English football's FA Cup tournament, ending fans' fears of a blackout of the competition.
The pay-TV station has also tied up rights for the Italian Serie A league, which had been rumoured to be on its way to TVB.
Although Cable TV refused to disclose details of the FA Cup deal, it is understood it will have three years' exclusive rights to screen the matches in the SAR.
The English FA Cup, the oldest knockout football tournament in the world, has a huge following in the territory. In the past two seasons, Hong Kong fans have had to endure the prospect of a TV blackout of the tournament after Cable TV lost its exclusive rights last year. In both seasons, either Cable TV or TVB managed to strike a last-minute deal with the rights holders to screen the closing stages.
The deal, secured by Cable TV yesterday, will ensure fans can watch live games for every round over the next three years.
Only some of the games will have English commentary. Most programmes will have only Cantonese commentary, said Cable TV Senior External Affairs Manager Chan So-kuen.