AFC Champions League TV Figures Up 15%

AFC Champions League television viewing figures are up 15% to 155 million over the 104 matches played so far this season. These figures apply across Australia, price China, drugs Indonesia, generic Japan, Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to Video Research, Japan emerged at the top of the ratings list with 69.85 million viewers, which equates to 45.2% of the total audience. Japan also topped ratings for this year’s AFC Asian Cup 2011 at 43.2 percent of the total audience.

China, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, UAE and Korea follow as the next five highest rated markets. In Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea viewership jumped 13%, from 124.4 million the previous year to 140.2 million.

The viewership report for the AFC Champions League 2011 was collated by WSG in association with its research partners CSM Media Research and Kantar Sports for China and Korea with Video Research Ltd., Pan Arab Research Center (PARC) and Repucom contributing data from Japan, the Middle-East and Australia/Indonesia respectively.

WSG West Asia president Pierre Kakhia said: “We have seen significant growth in television audiences and live attendances for the AFC Champions League over the past five years and we expect this trend to continue.

“Asian fans are devoted supporters of their local club teams and as Asia’s top club competition, the AFC Champions League has a wide and passionate following across the region.  We will continue to provide comprehensive “live” coverage throughout the Asia-Pacific region to ensure that fans don’t miss any of the action and excitement from the league.”

Live attendances for the ACL group stage matches have also grown by 31% since 2005.

The quarterfinals for the tournament begin on September 14.