UEFA launches its open OTT digital platform

The new Over The Top (OTT) streaming platform, UEFA.tv, aims to offer viewers greater access to live and on-demand video content from various competitions.

The UEFA has officially presented its new platform streaming Over The Top (OTT) which aims to offer viewers greater access to live and on-demand video content from a wide variety of competitions.

The service, called UEFA.tv, will initially offer football fans an entertainment platform offering original programming based on the 60-year history of European football. It will also feature UEFA youth, women's and futsal competitions by offering extensive live coverage in relevant markets. Finally, it will also serve to promote all UEFA competitions by offering behind-the-scenes content, interviews and a wide range of additional content. All video content is behind free registration, and fans will now have the opportunity to watch UEFA competition matches live even when there are no rights holders in the territory in which they live.

Starting next season, the Bundesliga will be the first national league which will be represented on the new digital portal of the European governing body. UEFA and the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) have signed a partnership that provides for a separate channel on the streaming platform with Bundesliga videos in addition to European competitions. This service will be available from launch and will include highlights from the weekend's matches and shows such as the “Bundesliga Special”, specially tailored to the interests of international fans. In addition, archives of the most important Bundesliga matches and unforgettable UEFA Champions League matches in which German teams have participated will be available.

The president of UEFA, Alexander Ceferin, highlights that "the digital landscape is evolving and we need to be in a position where we can anticipate and respond to these changes. UEFA is an innovative organization and, with the introduction of this platform, we will make football and our competitions more accessible to fans around the world. "Our partnership with the Bundesliga is another example of the unity of European football and clearly demonstrates our desire to jointly address future opportunities for the promotion of our sport."

Christian Seifert, CEO of DFL, maintains that "the use of media is constantly changing. UEFA's new streaming service is a very timely step to reach football fans around the world, especially younger target groups."

"The DFL has consistently supported and initiated technological and media innovations since its founding. "We are delighted to be the first partner of the national league in this project, which will allow us to excite more people around the world about the Bundesliga in the future," he adds.

Bundesliga content on UEFA.tv will be available in major European markets such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain and Turkey, as well as the Middle East and Africa from the start.

UEFA.tv assures that the platform will not compete with television channels, but will complement itself by taking advantage of the wide range of content available at UEFA, including archive images, delayed matches, magazine programs or futsal, women's competitions and grassroots competitions. Furthermore, it could be used by UEFA's 55 federations to increase their global reach and visibility.