By Saleh Fareed
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Following the sudden ban on import of beIN Sports receivers, stopping the sale and renewal of subscription to the sports channel on Monday, sports enthusiasts are urging the Saudi government for another solution to follow events like the upcoming 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup to be held in Russia from June 17, European Champion League, AFC matches for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification and other sport events.
The official announcement was made by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media which is part of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information on Monday night after the beIN Sports website was also been blocked by the ministry.
The decision was taken primarily by the Saudi Government after Riyadh last week cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar due to its support for terrorist groups.
In reaction to the sudden decision to ban beIN sports channels in cafes and restaurants, Mohhamed Al-Ghamdi, owner of a major cafe in Rawdah District, sent an official memo to his staff not to open the beIN sport channels any more.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette, he said “Sure, we will not run beIN sport channels any more here at our café due to strict memos that we have received. Most of our clients come to watch football and tonight we made it clear to them that our new decision is already in effect and they understood.”
Abdullah Al-Amoudi, a customer at Layali Café praised the suspension of beIN sport channels here in Saudi Arabia but hopes to see a new alternative as soon as possible. “The reason I support this decision because the Qatari broadcast company could use sports to spread its political views to our youth. On the other hand, I hope the Saudi government could find an immediate solution because many sport events are coming soon.”
In a tweet to Saudi sport fans, Saud Al-Qahtani, Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court, said “ Soon..there is a new alternative for free or for less subscription fees.”
The state-funded Qatari television network has also been blocked in UAE, Egypt and Bahrain.
Since the start of the current crises, many Saudi commentators and analysts who have been working in Qatar for long years have announced that the have stopped working for the Qatari-owned beIN Sports network.
According to the latest reports, the number of residential satellite subscribers in Saudi Arabia reached around 700,000 and revenues grew to SR2.2 billion.
