7 hours Ago
Why Ziggo Sport Lost Out
Ziggo Sport released a statement clarifying that preliminary play-off fixtures aren't part of the collective UEFA European football package it holds. During these qualifying rounds, the rules allow the home club, in this case FC Sion, to sell broadcasting rights independently to whichever bidder offers the most. Since the match falls outside Ziggo's existing package entirely, the broadcaster had no legal claim to it, even though it typically covers Ajax's European nights.
Sports marketer Chris Woerts was the one who first broke the news that Talpa had secured exclusive Dutch streaming rights to the match. Since then, reactions from football fans and media commentators have ranged from irritation to outright disbelief, with much of the criticism aimed squarely at Ziggo. The irony hasn't gone unnoticed either: Ziggo happens to be Ajax's main shirt sponsor, yet its own sports division couldn't lock down the rights to broadcast the club's own European fixture.
What Fans Need to Watch and When
Anyone hoping to catch the action live will need to buy a digital ticket through KIJK for €4.99. The good news is that no ongoing subscription to Talpa or KIJK is required. It's strictly a one-off payment just to access this single game.
The match itself kicks off away from home at the Stade de Tourbillon in Switzerland, scheduled for Thursday, August 20, at 8:15 PM. To give manager Michel Sanchez's squad the best chance of being fully rested for this crucial two-legged tie, the KNVB approved Ajax's request to sit out their Eredivisie matches this weekend.
Fans can breathe easy about the return fixture, though. The decisive second leg, set for Thursday, August 27 at the Johan Cruijff Arena, will air live and free on Ziggo Sport Free, just as usual.
