The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced the launch of a free LPF Play digital platform that will broadcast tournaments organised by the body governing national football. According to longtime Córdoba football executive Emeterio Farías, at some point in the future, the nation’s top division and biggest clubs could be appearing on the streaming app too.
Farías, treasurer of the Córdoba Football League and with over 15 years’ experience as president of the institution, develiered the news while talking with the programme Punto y Aparte on Punto a Punto Radio 90.7.
“Today is a historic day for the Argentine Football Association and for all football lovers,” said Farías. "A system where we’ll have a platform to see all championships organised by AFA is being set in motion.”
According to the leader, the digital platform will cover all disciplines under AFA’s orbit “you’ll be able to watch women’s football, men’s football, beach football, futsal, everything organised by AFA,” he specified.
When asked by reporters whether the top division – the Liga Profesional de Fùtbol – will be included as well, Farías was categorical: “The entire first division, too.”
The executive, who has been involved in running football for some 50 years, went on to compare the project to the state programme run by former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s that broadcast top-flight matches free-to-air.
“It’s coming back like Fútbol para Todos, that’s what this platform will be like,” said Farías.
As for the cost for users, Farías left no doubt. “The application will be free and may be viewed by all Argentines, everyone who enjoys this sport,” he said.
The leader did not offer any technical details about its running. Consulted on the impact of television rights on current operators – such as TNT Sports and ESPN Premium – Farías acknowledged that they may be possibly affected without delving into the contractual terms.
Domestic reports, however, have cast doubt over the likelihood of top-flight matches being free to view, noting that contracts in place would block such a move until at least 2031.
– TIMES/PERFIL
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