Madam Speaker, in regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that the annual budget allocation of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation for the broadcasting of local and international sports events varies between 25 to 30 million rupees. As regards part (b) of the question, I am informed by the MBC that for the FA English Premier League, the Corporation currently broadcasts 33 live matches per season, that is, one

24 live match every Saturday under its Free-To-Air rights package and three FA English Premier League magazine programmes each week. I am also informed that the MBC has already secured the rights for the next three FA English Premier League seasons up to the year 2028 and this Free-To-Air rights package includes four FA Cup matches annually. Concerning UEFA matches, I am informed that the MBC has already secured a partnership with New World TV for the broadcasting rights of one UEFA Champions League match and one Europa League or Conference League match per match day, including the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. I am also informed that after several years, the MBC is now broadcasting the Spanish Football League Competition known as ‘La Liga’ with one match per weekend. Madam Speaker, regarding part (c) of the question, I am informed that for local events, the MBC works in close collaboration with event organisations and sports federations for live broadcasting of same. The MBC also intends to produce and broadcast future Club M matches played in Mauritius. Moreover, the upcoming horseracing season will be produced and broadcast live on the MBC. In addition, major sports tournaments, such as, the Mauritius Sevens Rugby Tournament are currently in the planning phase and will be featured as part of the Corporation’s expanded sports programming. Efforts are also being made by the Corporation to enhance the MBC11 channel with a view to promoting youth engagement and the development of regional and gender-inclusive sports coverage. Madam Speaker, in regard to international events, I am informed that the following negotiations have been undertaken by the MBC – (i) an Agreement has been concluded for the live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026; (ii) the MBC is exploring avenues to secure rights for other major events, such as, the FIFA Club World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, World Athletics, and the Para- athletics World Championships, and (iii) the negotiations are ongoing for the broadcast of cycling events and other international competitions, based on rights availability.

25 Madam Speaker, it is apposite for me to underscore the fact that while Free-To-Air broadcasting rights are subject to limitations imposed by international organisations and their appointed regional distributors, the MBC remains committed to securing a diverse and representative sports offering for the population.

Thank you, hon. Prime Minister. Yes!

Merci, Madame la présidente. L’honorable Premier ministre peut-il dire à la Chambre, et en particulier aussi aux amateurs de football anglais, suite à l’annonce que lui- même avait faite durant la dernière campagne électorale à l’effet que tous les matchs de la Premier League seraient retransmis en direct à la télévision – je conviens, tous les matchs, cela va coûter énormément – ne serait-ce pour ceux qui n’ont pas les moyens de s’abonner aux chaines payantes, si la MBC, à travers le Premier ministre, envisage de retransmettre ne serait-ce les matchs phares de chaque weekend, afin de permettre aux amateurs de football anglais de visionner leurs équipes préférées ?

In fact, I thank the hon. Member for saying, given the financial situation of the country; but, actually, the MBC is looking to do exactly that, if possible.

Of course! Yes, the hon. First Member for Savanne and Black River! IFCM LTD – ROLES & FUNCTIONS – FUNDS INVESTED & DISBURSED