Arabic-language sports channel, Al Jazeera, agreed a $23.5 million (Dh 86,362,000) deal for the exclusive rights to broadcast the 19th Gulf Cup.
Rashid Amiri, manager of Dubai Sports Channel told Gulf News that any GCC channel wanting to broadcast the matches would now have to negotiate with them and agree a fee. "The GCC sports channels will hold an important meeting in the coming days with Al Jazeera officials to discuss the situation and reach an agreement with them to broadcast the Gulf Cup matches" he said.
The Gulf Cup had been broadcast free to all GCC and Arab countries from its first edition held in Bahrain in 1970. However, TV stations had to pay broadcasting rights during the 15th tournament in Saudi Arabia.
The 19th Gulf Cup to be held in Muscat from January 4 to 17, 2009.
