JOHANNESBURG – The SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Friday night said it would not be broadcasting Premier Soccer League matches on their radio stations.
“This decision follows careful consideration to the SABC’s business operations, and the unsuccessful negotiations with the PSL to secure the broadcast rights for soccer matches on radio,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
“The SABC and PSL could not reach a consensus with regards to the terms of the contract, and this has unfortunately led to the SABC not being able to close the deal with PSL.”
The public broadcaster said the matches would, however, still be aired on its television stations.
On social media, local fans expressed their outrage at the outcome.
@Tumzaza3 said on Twitter: “The greed by both PSL and SABC is ridiculous.”
@KingGee24: “PSL wants people to come to the stadium but they keep taking it from the poor and selling it to the poor. Sabc wants people to pay TV licenses but they are incompetent.”
@MIDibo: “So what will happen to all the radio commentators , technical producers and so on? SABC and PSL must find a way to solve this.”
@KutloTlali: “#SABC is led by people who don't even watch it...!!! #PSL should as well stop being greedy and give back to the community...or else we won't bother go to stadiums as well...!!!”
@sbuj87: “Sabc and PSL need to sit down and find a way to broadcast this matches on Radio Platform, imagine not listening to Joe Hudla Victor Molefe”
@LekitlaMoroban2: “SABC and PSL undermine the African majority by saying they're not going to prodcast PSL games on radio.”