Live airing of Azkals' game on TV doubtful

As the Philippine Azkals prepare themselves for a game against Myanmar tomorrow for the AFC Challenge Cup, Filipino fans expecting to watch their game live on free TV is in doubt. Obviously, Myanmar has strict rules in airing live sporting events. Pretty sure, that is not good news for Azkals fans here in the country.

While a delayed broadcast Philippines-Myanmar game -- a day late perhaps -- is inevitable, MRTV still has the last say on whether or not a live TV coverage is possible.

Via the Philippine Star Online:

“In their desire to telecast the Azkals’ matches in the Union of Myanmar in the Philippines as well to all the Filipinos in the world via TFC, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and media partner ABS-CBN have been continuously communicating with the Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) and other agencies since March 3.

“As of the end of office hours Friday in Yangon, however, MRTV, the Myanmar government’s television arm and official coveror of the football matches, has not yet secured the required permit to beam the game live via satellite. The next update from MRTV is expected Monday morning.

“If a live satellite feed would not be possible, the PFF and ABS-CBN shall exhaust all means to secure a tape of the coverage and play it back at the earliest possible time,” the PFF statement said.

Live airing of the game on free TV or Cable Channel here is rather bleak, Filipino fans (me included) can only hope the Philippine Azkals prevail and get a W in Myanmar. I think that's what matters.