BeIN launches women’s sport initiative with 2019 World Cup

Qatar broadcaster BeIN Sports has landed exclusive broadcast rights to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in more than 30 countries across MENA.

As a result, beIN will distribute the tournament to more countries than any other broadcaster.

The company also used the opportunity to launch a global initiative – dubbed beINSPIRED – which aims to get more women into sport. This will also be the broadcast umbrella used for the company’s coverage of women’s sport.

Yousef Al-Obaidly, CEO of beIN MEDIA GROUP, said: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the most anticipated tournament in world sport this year and I’m delighted to announce that beIN subscribers in +30 countries across Asia and the Middle East & North Africa will get to watch some of the best athletes on the planet come together to compete for their country this summer.

“On the eve of this outstanding tournament, we are also launching beINSPIRED, which is our stated ambition as a global broadcaster to inspire the next generation to participate in sport, by giving a global platform to events and talent that haven’t, historically, been given the exposure they deserve. This summer we will take our first big step in this project and broadcast more premium women’s sport than any other global broadcaster, and we hope that female fans in the MENA region, and all across the world, will find new heroes and take part in sport.”

BeIN Media is a Qatar state-owned broadcaster, and was founded by members of the ruling family of Qatar, the House of Thani.

Qatar has largely been criticised for its attitudes towards women, with many discriminatory laws and policies being the subject of scrutiny from the international community. These include laws such as those which criminalise abortion and intercourse outside of marriage.

On May 30, the broadcaster also announced the addition of the SundanceTV channel to its library of entertainment content.