Pay-TV Company Azam has secured the broadcast and media rights to the Tanzania mainland first division league after agreeing to a ten-year deal with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) starting with the 2021/22 season.
The deal, worth USD100m (Tsh224.b), will see Azam TV air all matches in the top-flight in an effort to make the Tanzania Mainland Premier League one of the best in Africa.
Azam first secured the title broadcasting a right to Tanzania’s most sought after prize in soccer in 2003. Today, they signed a new contract after TFF advertised the top-flight league broadcasting rights.
“This deal will specifically help our clubs because a huge percentage of the money is meant for them. But the money available calls for compliance and transparency which means we will need financial reports regularly from the clubs,” said Wallace Karai, the TFF president.
“The money must be used according to the guidelines and if a club flouts the guidelines, the amount of money for such a club will be reduced or cancelled altogether. This money is specifically allocated for the salaries, travel and medical expenses of the players.
“The money should not be used whatsoever for paying debts or buying players.”
On his part, Azam TV Managing Director Tindo Muhando insisted that the quality of beaming matches this season will be higher than before.
He also pointed out that all 18 team will get Tsh 8billion (USD345,000) per month in additional grants for the new season that kicks off in August.
“For the 2021/2022 season, sponsorship money will be Sh12 billion, clubs will get Sh8 billion and the remaining parts will support the development of football, TFF and the Board,” said Tido.
“The money will be increased every season, where the 2022/2023 season sponsorship will be 13.2 Billion and teams will receive Sh 8.8 billion.”
Over the last eight years Tanzania Mainland Premier League has been doing better as it has very well paying clubs like Yanga, Simba, Azam and recently Biashara United.
