Egyptian TV body takes action against Al Jazeera over World Cup

The Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU) is to take legal action against Middle Eastern pay-TV operator Al Jazeera Sports for violating the terms of its contract to sub-license World Cup soccer matches.

The ERTU had sub-licensed the rights from Al Jazeera but alleges that during the England v US game it jammed the satellite transmission to prevent viewers from seeing the game on free-to-air television. Al Jazeera claims that it was an act of piracy that affected the Nilesat and Arabsat platforms.

ERTU boss Osama El-Sheikh said: “Al Jazeera is punishing Egyptian viewers and advertisers. Egyptians are not thieves or highwaymen; we are gentlemen and professionals. We do not want to spoil the fun of Egyptian and Arab families watching the World Cup.”