The decisive match between AZ and Celtic in the play-offs of the Europa League will not be broadcast live on Dutch TV on Thursday. The Alkmaarders, who own the broadcasting rights as the home party, were unable to reach an agreement with a Dutch TV channel. AZ therefore makes the match available for free via its own Facebook page.
The first leg in Glasgow, which was won by Celtic 2-0, was also not shown on Dutch TV. The Scottish top club did not come to an agreement with ESPN, which, in its own words, showed serious interest. The same now applies to AZ. “After we received bids for this match, we now understand better why no agreement was concluded by Celtic last week,” said general manager Robert Eenhoorn of AZ.
“There is more than enough serious interest from abroad, but that is apparently different with the Dutch channels,” said Eenhoorn. “This development is not good for Dutch football and as far as we are concerned a great challenge for the future director of the NL League.” AZ has decided to take care of the broadcast itself and has sought cooperation with a production company. The match, including preview, analysis and interviews, will be broadcast on the club’s Facebook page. The match starts on Thursday at 8.15 pm, the broadcast at 7.55 pm.
Last week, AZ reacted disappointed to the news that the first leg was not broadcast. Celtic then asked for twelve euros for the online stream. “AZ finds it extremely disappointing that no Dutch broadcaster has managed to obtain the rights, which lie with the home club in this round,” said the Alkmaarders last week. “Such a poster, which is also of enormous importance for Dutch football, deserves to be broadcast. For reasons that are unclear to AZ, the rights holder and Dutch broadcasters have not come together.”
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