AFCON to Be Broadcast Free-to-Air Across UK: Historic Deal Between Channel 4 and CAF for Morocco 2025
AFCON to Be Broadcast Free-to-Air Across UK: Historic Deal Between Channel 4 and CAF for Morocco 2025
✍️ By Ayman Radi
Casablanca – Noujoum Press
News Tags: #AFCON2025 #Channel4 #Morocco #FreeToAir #GlobalReach
London – Morocco –
In a move described as a “qualitative and historic shift” for African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a major partnership agreement with the UK broadcaster Channel 4. The deal grants the channel exclusive and full rights to broadcast the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Crucially, the agreement ensures that all 52 matches of the tournament will be shown completely free-to-air across Channel 4’s network and digital services, a first in the history of AFCON coverage.
Public Celebration and Rising Global Status
The announcement was met with widespread acclaim from both the British media and fan communities. Viewers will now be able to follow their favourite African stars from the English Premier League (EPL)—such as Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez, and Moroccan stars—as they compete for the continental title.
CAF General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba, described the development as a significant marker of the AFCON’s position as one of the most fundamental and sought-after assets in global football. This step aims to significantly increase the tournament’s international reach beyond pay-TV platforms.
Moroccan Hosting as a Key Success Factor
Morocco’s selection to host the 2025 edition, scheduled to take place between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026, is believed to have played a significant, albeit indirect, role in finalising this major deal:
Confidence in Organisation: Morocco’s hosting instils high confidence in international partners regarding the quality of infrastructure, from world-class stadiums to modern hotels, eliminating logistical concerns for rights purchasers.
Guaranteed Production Quality: Morocco’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of television production and advanced broadcast technologies ensures a professional visual quality that meets the standards sought by leading European broadcasters like Channel 4.
Attractive Timing: The tournament’s scheduling during the UK’s winter holiday period makes it an appealing television product that attracts extensive viewership, away from the congestion of summer sporting events.
In conclusion, the agreement is viewed as evidence of the continuous development and increasing quality of African football, solidifying the Africa Cup of Nations’ status as a global sporting event that captures attention across the European continent.