World Cup Qualifiers: No live Guam vs India broadcast on Sony Six

The World Cup qualifier between India and Guam at the GFA National Training Center in Harmon (Guam) on 16 June will not be broadcast live in India. Sony Six confirmed to Firstpost earlier that the channel will not be telecasting the match because they did not have the particular rights for this game. This especially comes as a surprise because earlier reports had said that they will be showing all of India’s World Cup qualifying matches. [caption id=“attachment_2296876” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Subrata Paul in action against Oman in Bengaluru. AFP[/caption] “We won’t be showing the Guam match live because even though we have most of the rights of FIFA tournaments, our deal does not cover this particular match,” a Sony Six official told Firstpost. The official added that the channel will in fact be showing qualifiers which only take place in India. India lost their first qualifier against Oman in Bengaluru on 11 June — but it was a pretty close affair, ending 2-1 in favour of the visitors. Bengaluru also saw 19,000-plus fans witness the match in which Sunil Chhetri’s spectacular effort brought India level after conceding within a minute. Oman scored through a penalty to get back in the lead but India had a goal ruled out for offside in the dying minutes. India’s drive, determination and pressing system were well received by most football fans and many have asked us via Twitter whether the Guam match will be broadcast. The news will certainly come as a disappointment for Indian football fans — especially with being favourites for the clash. India play Guam at 11.45 am IST on 16 June.