http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Football/10328444.htmlPortsmouth to benefit from broadcast rights
Abu Dhabi: Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, an eminent sportsman in the nation's
capital, expressed delight over the granting to the Abu Dhabi Sports
Channel of exclusive Middle East and North Africa broadcast rights for
the English Premier League.
"I am happy that the EPL's telecast on Abu Dhabi Sports Channels has come at the right time," he told Gulf News on Friday.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Channel will be airing matches of the EPL
beginning on the 2010/11 season, all the way up to the 2012/13 season.
Al Fahim, who played a lead role in Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover
of Manchester City, is in the final stages of wrapping up the purchase
of Portsmouth, which placed 14th in the EPL last season.
He said the broadcast breakthrough will eventually be beneficial to Portsmouth.
"Manchester City and Etihad Airways are now an integral part as far as
the UAE is concerned and this free-to-air telecast of the EPL will
ensure the league gains a broader base in the UAE and the region," Al
Fahim said.
"As far as Portsmouth is concerned it will also be a tremendous boost
as the club is not very well known in the region. This move will help
more fans in the UAE and the region to get to see clubs in action," he
added.
Al Fahim struck the acquisition deal with Portsmouth Chief Executive
Peter Storrie in Rome during the Champions League final. He stands to
become the third owner in four years of the Fratton Park-based club.
Portsmouth, which twice won the FA Cup, has been based there since 1898.
"The process of due diligence' is on and in a few days from now the deal will be through," Al Fahim said.
When asked whether the club acquisition would pave the way for UAE
players to break into the EPL, Al Fahim said: "I have said in the past
that I like a few players.
"However it is the technical team, under the manager and coach, which will have the final say on the selection of players.
"But I do feel that some of the UAE players are so highly skilled that they can play in any of the European Leagues."
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