Ethiopian Premier League banned from streaming five Week 24 games

The Ethiopian Premier League Share Company (EPLSC) has confirmed that the first five matches of week 24 will not be streamed live on Facebook due to a three-day ban, effective from Monday, 7 April.

The Round 24 fixtures are set to kick off later today at Hawassa University Stadium, but fans will not be able to watch live coverage as Facebook has restricted EPLSC from streaming any video content for the next three days. Some of the games involve the top teams whose fans will be missing out on them.

According to EPLSC, the ban was enforced after the league failed to honor certain community guidelines established by the social media platform. During Week 23 games, fans of rival teams exchanged insults in the livestream chat that violated Facebook’s rules on hate speech, bullying, and harassment.

EPLSC had been broadcasting matches via its official Facebook page after the league’s television rights holder, SuperSport, announced it would only air 60 games during the 2024/25 season. This prompted the league to explore other options.

Despite the setback, EPLSC has assured fans that highlights from the five affected matches will be made available. The incident can be described as a learning experience and the need for a social media strategy in handling unruly fans.

The following week 24 matches will not be livestreamed on Facebook:

Fasil Kenema vs. Saint George

Welwalo Adigrat University vs. Ethiopian Insurance

Adama Ketema vs. Wolayta Dicha

Hadiya Hossana vs. Diredawa Ketema

Mechal vs. Mekele 70 Enderta