Dubai-based
telecoms operator du has confirmed that it has suspended transmission of the
Qatar-owned beIN Sports network across its cable television services after
customers took to social media on Monday evening to complain about an
interruption in the service.
“We
would like to confirm that the service of beIN Sports are currently suspended.
Our customer service teams will be in touch with all the affected customers,”
du said in a statement.
The
company did not clarify whether the suspension of service is in relation to the
ongoing Qatar crisis, in which the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen,
Libya and the Maldives have cut ties with the GCC member over claims that the
country supports terrorist organisations.
Customers
who attempt to access beIN Sports channels via their du cable box receive a
blue screen stating “This channel is currently unavailable”.
Etisalat
customers report receiving the same notice, however the UAE state-owned
telecoms firm has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.
The
beIN Sports website has also subsequently been blocked by both the telecoms
operators in the UAE.
Part
of the larger Al Jazeera network of channels, beIN Sports holds the exclusive
broadcasting rights to a number of major international sporting tournaments
including the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, La Liga, Formula 1
Grand Prix and the NBA, amongst others.
The
UAE has also blocked the Al Jazeera TV channel and website, while Saudi Arabia
has also revoked the media group’s licence in the kingdom.
Source: http://gulfbusiness.com
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