Image: The free channel announces the broadcast of the CAF Champions League Final

In a precedent that reflects the growing European interest in African football, UK network Channel 4 has announced that it will broadcast two of the 2025-2026 African Champions League finals live and free of charge, in a move that demonstrates the channel’s exceptional public success in its recent Africa Cup of Nations coverage.

A finale with a historical flavor

According to British newspaper The Sun, the channel will broadcast bilateral matches between South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and their Moroccan counterpart Royal Army through its free-to-air platforms and sports channel on YouTube.

The first leg kicks off tomorrow night, Sunday, at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, while Africa’s most expensive title will be decided in the second leg at the Emiri Stadium in Rabat on May 24.

Exclusive partnership with CAF

Channel 4 confirmed in an official statement that it has acquired the exclusive rights to broadcast the final under an agreement with IMG, the media and marketing arm of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), allowing the British public to follow the African summit without any subscription fee.

Sun Downs chases the dream… and the Army looks for redemption

Mamelodi Sundowns compete in the finals seeking their second continental title after their historic maiden crown in 2016, while the Royals attempt to end a long drought spanning more than four decades since their last continental title in 1985.

42 million views per minute… Success dictates expansion

In a press release, Channel 4’s Head of Sport, Pete Andrews, revealed that strong public interest in coverage of the recent Africa Cup of Nations was a key driver behind the decision to expand coverage of African football events.

He added: “We recorded over 42 million viewing minutes across digital platforms during the last tournament, a number that reflects the growing passion for African football within the UK.”

Andrews continued. “We are excited to continue our partnership with the Confederation of African Football and IMG to provide our fans with high-quality African football content, especially in light of the growing interest in these tournaments.”