NATIONAL NEWS - The SA Football Association (Safa) on Monday confirmed a R1 billion TV deal with new broadcaster Siyaya TV to show all national team games live.

The deal will start when the current contract with the SABC ends on April 30, 2015.

"The reports are true. Everything you read in the reports about the Safa and Siyaya deal is true," said Safa head of communication Dominic Chimhavi on Monday.

"When the current contract with SABC ends, the deal with Siyaya will begin. The SABC contract ends at the end of April 2015."

The contract allows Siyaya TV to broadcast live all senior national men's and women's matches. In addition, the broadcaster will also have the rights to televise all junior national team games.

According to reports, Safa will be paid R175 million per year during the six-year contract with Siyaya TV.

"This Safa/Siyaya partnership is a true game changer. Soccer cannot continue to live in the shadows of rugby and cricket," Chimhavi tweeted on Sunday.

Safa president Danny Jordaan could not be reached for comment on the matter.
     
Source: Sapa