📺 Al-Faraj Explains the Broadcast Rights Dispute
Sports journalist Walid Al-Faraj revealed details of the delay surrounding the announcement of broadcasters for the Arabian Gulf Cup 27, hosted by Jeddah from September 23 through October 6, 2026.
Al-Faraj explained that the main issue, according to his account, involved negotiations over the broadcasting rights and the financial amounts requested by the rights holders, with the demands reportedly increasing significantly in the final hours before the tournament began.
💰 Higher Financial Demands at the Last Minute
Al-Faraj said negotiations became more difficult after the requested broadcasting fee increased shortly before the tournament, leaving interested broadcasters with limited time to finalize an agreement.
To illustrate the situation, the Saudi media figure compared the negotiations to agreeing to host a banquet and then being asked to double the payment shortly before it takes place.
He argued that raising the financial demands at such a late stage created additional pressure for broadcasters seeking the tournament rights.
📢 Al-Faraj: The Ministry of Information Was Not Responsible
Al-Faraj clarified that the delay was not caused by the Saudi Ministry of Information, but was linked to negotiations over the broadcasting fee and the demands made by the rights holders.
He said the issue was still being negotiated in the hours before the tournament, while expecting an agreement and announcement to follow.
🏆 Saudi Broadcaster Was Eventually Announced
Following Al-Faraj’s comments, the broadcasting picture was subsequently finalized with additional rights holders joining the official list for Gulf Cup 27.
The latest published information lists Saudi Sports and MBC, as well as Bahrain TV, alongside Al Kass, Oman Sports, Shasha, Abu Dhabi Sports and Kuwait Sports.
The Gulf Cooperation Council Football Association had initially announced five rights holders before the list expanded with additional broadcasters as the tournament got underway.
🇸🇦 Saudi Fans Await Gulf Cup Action
The delay in announcing the Saudi broadcaster had generated questions among local supporters, particularly because the tournament is being hosted in Saudi Arabia and the national team is competing in the competition.
Saudi Arabia are in Group A alongside Kuwait, Iraq and Oman, while Group B features Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
The tournament began in Jeddah on September 23 and will continue through October 6, with eight national teams participating.
🔥 Broadcast Dispute Resolved Before the Competition
Despite the uncertainty that preceded the tournament, the broadcasting issue was ultimately resolved with an expanded list of television channels and digital platforms securing rights to the competition.
Al-Faraj’s comments highlighted the role of late financial negotiations and time pressure in delaying the announcement before the broadcast arrangements were eventually finalized.
