Malaysian pay-television broadcaster Astro has completed a deal for Uefa Champions League rights in the 2018-19 season, just hours before the competition is set to kick off.
The broadcaster had been keeping its customers updated on Twitter and tweeted at 13:32 CET today (September 18) that it had yet to secure rights to the competition.
Update: We understand that many UEFA Champions League fans are anxious. We are still negotiating with the rights owner and unfortunately such negotiations are long-drawn and can drag close to the start of a new season. 1/2
— Stadium Astro (@stadiumastro) September 18, 2018
The Astro deal was struck with digital media company DAZN Group, which holds Champions League rights across Southeast Asia in a three-season deal, from 2018-19 to 2020-21.
Astro held rights to the Champions League in the previous three-season cycle, from 2015-16 to 2017-18.
Telco Singtel also struck a last-minute sublicensing deal with DAZN for Champions League rights in Singapore during the 2018-19 season.