Kieran Maguire: West Ham to reap rewards from ‘close links’ as three-year deal struck
Kieran Maguire has suggested West Ham are in line to benefit from Canal+ signing a three-year agreement with telecom companies in Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the finance expert claimed the deal can “only be a positive” for the Hammers given their “close links” to the geographical area.
As reported by SportsProMedia (9 August), Canal+ have signed a trio of three-year agreements with Slovak Telekom, DIGI Slovakia and T-Mobile Czech Republic.
The regional operators will carry Canal+’s Premier League coverage until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
All 380 matches will be on offer to fans in the aforementioned countries.
West Ham have close ties to Czech Republic through players Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Soucek and shareholder Daniel Kretinsky.
When asked by Football Insider if increased coverage in the Czech Republic will benefit the Hammers more than most, Maguire said: “It can only be a positive for them.
“Many fans will be focusing on the Big Six because of the popularity of the Premier League. But, for those fans that want a link closer to home, West Ham could be the club of choice.
“West Ham have close links with that geographical area. It will only be to the benefit of the club especially if they put in some good performances.
“Off the back of that you could get some football tourism. Czech supporters would want to come to the London Stadium.
“You make far more money from a walk-up fan than from a season ticket holder. It can only be good for match day revenue. They have growing appeal to a broader market.”
In other news, a pundit has issued a verdict on Everton racing West Ham to Depay after source’s transfer reveal.