Football fans can now afford a smile as Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has assured that presidential diaries will not affect bemeaming of the 2022 Qatar World Cup matches.

The public broadcaster has secured rights to beam the 22nd edition of the global showcase that will run from November 20 to December 18.

Responding to a question on the frequent interruption of World Cup beaming in the past to accommodate presidential functions, MBC director general George Kasakula said: “That shouldn’t be a problem because in the event that there are matters of national interest, the games will be shown on [the recently launched] MBC TV 2.

“So, we have settled that issue, it should no longer be a concern.”

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On whether they will beam all the matches, he said: “I cannot promise Malawians that we will show all the matches, but what I can assure them is that we will beam as many games as possible.”

Kasakula also appealed for corporate support to off-set the cost of buying the rights.

He said: “These rights are not for free, so my appeal to the business community is to partner us by marketing their products on MBC TV during the games.

“This is the biggest sporting event in the world and it gives companies a platform to showcase their goods and products.”

Kasakula further said they have acquired the rights from world football governing body Fifa through their agents, New World.

A Blantyre-based football fan Masa Chilenga hailed MBC for the move.

“I am excited because it will provide low-earning Malawians like myself a chance to watch the games, especially the African teams,” he said.

On his part, Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu said: “Exciting news for Malawian fans and the football fraternity in general.”

The World Cup, which is the world’s biggest  football festival, is staged every four years and attracts televisionj audience, including in Malawi.

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