Zimpapers Logo

Sports Reporter
ENGLISH Premier League (EPL) enthusiasts have been dealt a blow after pay-per-view television broadcaster Multichoice announced that the topflight matches would only be available to premium subscribers with effect from August 6, 2015.

The Premium bouquet costs $81, but most Zimbabweans subscribe to cheaper bouquets, such as Access ($11), Family ($21), Compact ($32) and Compact Plus ($55).

Multichoice yesterday said the EPL, which used to be broadcast on SuperSport 3, DStv channel 223, which is also available to Compact and Compact Plus subscribers, is moving to SuperSport 5, DStv channel 225, which would only be available to premium subscribers.

“From this season onwards, the drama of the EPL will unfold on SuperSport 5 (SS5), which will now be available on DStv channel 225 (previously on channel 205) from 6 August 2015 on the premium bouquet and will also be available in SD/HD,” Multichoice said in a statement.

“SS5 will now become Africa’s new 24-hour home of the EPL with up to three live matches on any given Saturday and Sunday.

“The flair of La Liga will light up SuperSport 3 (SS3), which is the home of all European and international football. The channel will become the go-to channel for all the Spanish football league action with up to three live matches on any given Saturday and Sunday.”

The latest development is likely to benefit sports bars, as EPL followers are likely to throng most joints on match days.

The majority of EPL lovers will also miss magazine shows and live programming, which include PLTV Kick Off, Match Day Live, Fan Zone, Saturday/Sunday Review, Football Today, Classic Matches, Netbusters and Match of the Week, which were being aired on SS3.

Better known as the World of Champions, SuperSport will continue to show cup tournaments such as the Uefa Champions League and Europa League, FA Cup, Copa Del Rey, German Cup, Euro 2016 and international friendlies on SS3.

SS3 will now broadcast magazine shows, La Liga World and La Liga highlights as well as preview shows and the Football League show.