The Council for Cable and Satellite Broadcasting decision comes two days before the opening of the 2004-2005 soccer season.
The Council for Cable and Satellite Broadcasting today decided to deny a request by cable television company HOT and satellite broadcasting company YES to broadcast top Israel and British soccer league games by pay-per-view. The decision comes only two days before the opening of the 2004-2005 soccer season.
Last year, Charleton, which has broadcast rights to the top Israeli league, charged NIS 19.90 per game for Saturday games. This method angered soccer fans, although Channels 2 and 10 broadcast the games of the leading teams for free.
Fans complained that the price charged was excessive, particularly in view of the low level of a large proportion of the games, and the fact that they were conducted consecutively, which made the broadcasts a long, exhausting experience.
Before the upcoming season, HOT and YES sought to renew this arrangement. The Broadcasting Council has decided to hold public hearings for setting restrictions on pay-per-view broadcasting of sporting events.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on August 19, 2004