DISCOVERY TO BROADCAST ROAD TO UEFA EURO 2020 AND 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 IN DENMARK
LONDON – 2 June, 2016 – Discovery Communications has been awarded the exclusive TV and multi-platform broadcast rights in Denmark for the UEFA Euro 2020 European Qualifiers and 2022 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers, it has been announced today. The agreement extends Discovery’s commitment to showcasing the best of international football in Denmark, bringing all the action to more fans across more screens than ever before.
This major sport rights agreement extends the broadcast relationship between Discovery, UEFA and the Danish national football team which began in 2014, and includes all of Denmark's friendly matches, as well as every match from the UEFA Nations League from 2018 to 2022, the new competition for European national teams.
The Danish national football team is a major draw for viewers in Denmark, who passionately follow their country when they take the field. In Denmark, Discovery broadcast the European Qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2016 and holds the exclusive rights for the 2018 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers. In 2015, eight of the 10 most-watched football games on Danish television were national team matches. Under the new deal, Discovery gains access to show around 40 matches featuring the Danish national team.
Dominic Coles, COO, Discovery Networks Northern Europe highlighted the passion and dedication felt by Danish fans about their national team as a key driver in progressing this deal. “It is a proud moment for Discovery to secure the exclusive broadcast rights for the UEFA Euro 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022 European Qualifiers and the Nations League in Denmark. The agreement furthers Discovery’s commitment to sharing the best international football to fans. Investing in the best sports rights, expert analysis and quality production will bring comprehensive coverage to more fans across both our linear and digital services, making it easier for people to enjoy all the action when, and wherever, they want to watch it.”
"The national football team is in a league of its own when it comes to sports rights. We are therefore very pleased to be hosting the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches on Kanal 5. The national team is a key part of our program strategy going forward and of paramount importance to growing portfolio of sports rights," said Christian Kemp, Managing Director of Discovery Networks Denmark.
"With the acquisition of these rights, we have positioned ourselves as one of the absolute leaders in sports rights in Denmark. We are proud to have this close affiliation to the national team and follow the development of a new squad under the head coach, Åge Hareide," said Kemp.
As well as televising the European Qualifiers for the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup tournaments, Discovery has landed the rights to broadcast the UEFA Nations League that replaces most friendly internationals. The Nations League divides the 54 national European teams into four groups according to their UEFA rankings. The four group winners of UEFA Nations League will play in a knockout format (semi-finals and final) in June 2019 to become the UEFA Nations League champions. Also, the finishing positions in the league of 2018/2019 determine the composition of the draw pots for the subsequent European Qualifiers.