(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanese government officials are reportedly in the “final stages” of negotiations to broadcast the World Cup, according to a Daily Star article on Sunday. Youth and Sports Minister Abdul-Muttaleb al-Hinawi told the daily newspaper that he is “optimistic” about securing a deal.
“We are still pushing for getting Tele Liban the rights to broadcast World Cup games and we are doing everything possible in this regard,” Hinnawi told The Daily Star. “We have intensified contacts with Qatari officials and hopefully we will get the approval for the state-run television as soon as possible, the entire government is working for this aim.”
Qatari company Sama was granted the exclusive rights to broadcast the World Cup games in the Middle East, through the beIN Sports television channel, previously known as Al-Jazeera Sports.
Last month, Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani promised that Tele Liban would be able to broadcast the World Cup, but despite meetings and ongoing debate, a contract has yet to be signed.