You first read about the U.S.-Guatemala TV kerfuffle here at ProSoccerTalk.
Now the other shoe has fallen. And it’s a big head-stomp from a nasty boot. This thing has crash landed into about the worst place it could. Well, second worst, perhaps.
The country’s second World Cup qualifier, against Guatemala on June 12 (and Jurgen Klinsmann’s first bite of the frequently bitter fruit that is CONCACAF qualifiers on the road) will be available only through pay-per-view, for a smooth $29.95 a pop.
Worse, I suppose, would be no TV at all.
Most of your questions on how we tripped and fell over the TV rights wire are here from U.S. Soccer, where officials are navigating damage control. Fans are passionate; U.S. Soccer officials understand (and even appreciate) that part. But the federation’s hands were tied here.
Yes, the federation could have ponied up to purchase the rights, I suppose. But this isn’t just a one-off. Other qualifiers are out there. If U.S. Soccer acquiesces to the asking price here (whatever it was, and it was presumable quite high), then the market value presumably is set.
Not defending U.S. Soccer. I’ve gotten on the federation before and will again when the doctrine of “call ‘em as I see them” deems fits. Besides, they don’t need it.
This one? It’s like a flat tire on a rainy night in an iffy neighborhood. It’s probably nobody’s fault; it’s just a bad situation.
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- drchale - May 18, 2012 at 1:23 PM
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“It’s probably nobody’s fault; it’s just a bad situation.”
It’s clearly CONCACAF’s fault. It’s unbelievable that a confederation desperately trying to make itself into a legitimate entity and compete with UEFA and CONMEBOL wouldn’t realize that this sort of set up for television is absolutely idiotic. If the confederation can manage to produce CL games and have those available (on the internet, too), why can’t they do it for WCQ? CONCACAF owns the rights, then sells them to national broadcasters. Confederation makes $$$, everyone can watch their teams play, win-win-win.
Best case scenario: they’re all idiots at CONCACAF and haven’t figured out a way to sell their product to maximize viewership and $$$. Worst case? Someone within the friendly circles of CONCACAF is benefiting and profiting from this fractured, decentralized broadcast structure and doesn’t want it to change.
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- yankeefootball - May 18, 2012 at 1:52 PM
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I agree. There have always been shady characters at the top of the federations. Somebody is getting their hands greased. Knowing that it involves Central America and the Carribean, that scenario seems likely. I saw “Club Paradise.”
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- chadmoon1 - May 18, 2012 at 2:14 PM
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Apparently Jack Warner wasn’t getting his cut, so it didn’t happen.
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- Steve Davis - May 18, 2012 at 3:37 PM
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Yeah … I shoulda said that last part a little differently. Looking at Twitter comments and some other stuff, it looked like U.S. Soccer was getting beat on about it. When I said “nobody,” I probably should have said “nobody at US Soccer.” As for CONCACAF … well, I’ll just let what’s already been said in these comments stand on their own merit.
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- donjuego - May 18, 2012 at 4:54 PM
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So .. is US Soccer denying Guatamala TV rights for the return leg? Or did US Soccer take the $$ and run without ensuring that US fans get to see the Guatamala game?
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- ndnut - May 18, 2012 at 5:12 PM
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Will any radio station in the nation make it available? At least we can all listen to it through the internet then. I know it’s not ideal but I do that with all the Sounders games, being stranded in South Dakota.
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- section1guy - May 18, 2012 at 5:54 PM
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Here’s the real question…
Will firstrowsports.eu have it streaming since it will be on TV/Internet “somewhere”
I think its a bad idea to shell out 29.95 for it. Who wants to set a precedent of paying for this stuff.
Will bars be able to buy it?
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- slxc - May 18, 2012 at 11:38 PM
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The fact that this is unfortunate, now the ratings will decrease, because only a privileged few will be able to watch the game, it hurts and I hope in the final round did not happen. The qualifiers for the World Cup is a very good event and I love to watch games in other countries because the atmosphere is cheerful. Good thing the parties in Guatemala spend on national TV for free.
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- drewvt6 - May 19, 2012 at 12:22 AM
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As much as this sucks, it’s a good excuse for fans to get together and watch the game.
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- drewvt6 - May 19, 2012 at 12:25 AM
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PS us soccer needs to play a little hardball with these guys on the return TV rights. Seems like we have some mom in her minivan from ayso negotiating in a mafia world. Get with reality people at the Fed!
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