Afghanistan's Ariana Television Network (ATN) has secured the broadcasting rights for the final stages of English soccer’s EFL Cup knockout competition, also known as the Carabao Cup. This move will allow Afghan sports fans to enjoy live and free-to-air coverage of one of England's most prestigious football tournaments.
The commercial broadcaster will exclusively showcase the semi-final and final stages of this renowned English knockout soccer competition. The remaining five fixtures in the 2025-26 edition will be aired live on ATN, starting with the semi-final between holders Newcastle United and Manchester City on January 13. This will be followed by Chelsea vs Arsenal on January 14, with reverse fixtures scheduled for February.
The grand finale is set to take place at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, boasting a capacity of 90,000 spectators, on March 22. ATN plans to broadcast this highly anticipated match live as well.
Expanding portfolio
This recent acquisition supplements an already growing suite of soccer rights for ATN. The network recently secured exclusive media rights to broadcast multiple Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions in Afghanistan.
In addition to its extensive football coverage, ATN has a history of broadcasting major sports events such as the Paris Olympics in 2024 and men's FIFA World Cups in both 2018 and 2022 editions. In mid-2025, it showcased the revamped FIFA Club World Cup competition won by Chelsea FC.
Media rights for all EFL competitions including Carabao Cup are distributed by Pitch International - a leading sports marketing agency that renewed its distribution remit back in 2024.
Longest title sponsorship
This current season marks the penultimate year of energy drinks brand Carabao’s title sponsorship agreement with the English League Cup. The partnership, which began in the 2017-18 campaign, was renewed in 2023 through to the end of the 2026-27 season. This makes it the longest title sponsor in league cup history.
Thai-based Carabao has been actively collaborating with EFL across Asia, particularly Thailand and Afghanistan where there is a strong market for energy drinks. The EFL's sponsorship portfolio for the 2025-26 season also includes sporting goods giant Puma, breakfast foods conglomerate Kellog’s, and Irish whiskey brand Jameson.
ATN's acquisition of broadcasting rights for Carabao Cup final stages is a significant milestone that will provide Afghan sports fans with exclusive access to one of England's most exciting football competitions.
