ATV Retains Broadcasting Rights For Hong Kong Premier League, 'But Must Improve'

The Hong Kong FA said that the financially troubled ATV "will keep the broadcasting rights" for the domestic football season after "guaranteeing it would improve services," according to Chan Kin-wa of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. After complaints from clubs, the free-to-air TV station "had been given until last week to improve services or face the early termination of the contract, which covers the entire Hong Kong Premier League season." The clubs "accused ATV of doing little to promote the sport and they were also disappointed with the late broadcasting times of recorded matches when few people would be watching." But the HKFA confirmed Thursday that "the agreement remained." HKFA CEO Mark Sutcliffe said, "[ATV] has agreed a number of improvements to the service it will provide in accordance with the requests of the clubs" (SCMP, 2/6).