Soccer: No NZ transmission for All Whites' Nations Cup games

All White Ben Sigmund in action during last week's game against El Salvador. Photo / AP/Houston Chronicle, Nick de la Torre

The only way Kiwis will get to see the All Whites live in action at the OFC Nations Cup is if they pay for a live streaming service.

In light of Sky Television not broadcasting the upcoming All Whites' fixtures in this week's OFC Nations Cup, Oceania Football has released a statement to confirm their stance on the matter.

It was reported today that a Sky spokesperson said: "Unfortunately we haven't been able to reach a deal, Sky does not have broadcast rights. We are disappointed OFC didn't award us TV rights, OFC and its media partners are exploring other options."

Oceania Football has returned serve with: "In relation to media reports that Sky Television may broadcast the OFC Nations Cup beginning in Solomon Islands on Friday, the OFC seeks to clarify that the New Zealand broadcaster has not secured the rights for the tournament," the statement read.

"OFC can confirm Sky TV submitted a late proposal that matched the criteria met by other broadcasters across the Pacific and further afield.

"Unfortunately, this proposal was too late to accept, taking into consideration the extra investment OFC TV has made to set up and promote live streaming to ensure New Zealand fans could have access to the matches after Sky TV initially indicated they would not agree to terms.

"OFC's media agency MP & Silva offered broadcasters the rights to the tournament more than six weeks ago. Several broadcasters were quick to acquire the rights including VBTC in Vanuatu, EMTV in Papua New Guinea, FBCL in Fiji, Polynesie Premiere in Tahiti, Caledonie Premiere in New Caledonia, Telekom TV in Solomon Islands as well as networks across Asia including in Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines."

The rights issue has left football fans in New Zealand disappointed who now have to watch the tournament - which is the first stage of World Cup 2014 qualification - on the internet.

The All Whites begin the eight-team tournament as hot favourites and are to meet Fiji on Saturday to open their campaign.

Live streaming will be available via oceaniafootball.com for NZ$2.99 per match or NZ$19.99 as a package for the entire tournament.