Indian sports streaming is going downhill, and the OTT platforms are not only standing on the grave but are also celebrating it. If you thought SonyLIV was the villain of sports streaming, Fancode might give them solid competition.
So, what’s the fuss about?
To paint a picture, besides the Euro, which is being streamed on SonyLIV, the world is witnessing Copa America by CONMEBOL, the oldest international football tournament.
The Indian fanbase has a strong affinity towards South American football, possibly due to cultural similarities or a shared love for the sport. Many fans have worn the blue or yellow jerseys throughout their lives, and the fanbase here is as solid as that of native Brazilian and Argentine people.
So, South American football matters here, especially for such a significant tournament. Europe has the streaming luxury, and Euro has the charm, but on the other hand, Copa is being looked down upon by the broadcasters.
It is already difficult for Indian fans to watch South American football; barely any platforms notice it. When FanCode announced that they would be streaming the event, fans eagerly purchased match passes.
FanCode not only promoted externally but also put out banners and match passes, costing ₹149 for the whole tournament. However, a couple of days before the tournament started, some users noticed they received a refund.
Digging deep, it was later revealed that FanCode’s claims of streaming Copa America had vanished into thin air just before the tournament started. Generally speaking, the price tag isn’t that hefty but the fans were extremely disheartened.
Now, fans have nowhere to go. No TV channel holds the rights to stream Copa America. Their only option is piracy, which is unethical on paper but is the only way to see Messi, Suarez, or Neymar play.
FanCode has been silent on this matter through and through. They have barely responded to any fan questions or queries, and not all the passes have been refunded, pushing fans into a state of confusion.
Fans are not just upset about the scarcity of a streaming partner but also about the way FanCode pulled a ‘scam’. They haven’t been transparent with the fans, which might cause some rage down the road, leading some to cut ties with the platform.
We don’t know the numbers or the percentage of users getting refunds, but it is clear that FanCode is being a bit shady. They not only avoided giving an official statement or apology about pulling the deal off, but they also barely contacted the users to notify them about the cancellation of the streaming of Copa America.
Their pulling out from the deal was definitely unsettling, but also, their refund strategy is extremely inconvenient for the users. It is unnotified, and some were even caught by surprise with the refund.
FanCode needs to come clean with everything. They did pull off a blunder, and the fans lost faith in the platform. All they need to do is come clean with the numbers and reasons and work on their image again.
I bought pass for watching Copa America and now you showing this random cricket match on some planet. I’d appreciate a refund of the pass please. This is robbery!!
— K. (@Techcommnerd) June 21, 2024
Very pathetic service from @FanCode ..
— Mohammed Shinadh 𝕏 (@Shinadh1) June 20, 2024
Bought Copa America Pass few days back and now they’re not telecasting it..
Mailed them regarding Copa America telecast and Refund yesterday and no response till now..If they’re not telecasting then why did they promote it?? pic.twitter.com/dvJllEkohL
No Copa America for Indian football fans, will miss the titans of the game. Shame on you @SonySportsNetwk @FanCode for not televising.
— Shimanto Ghosh (@ShimantoGhosh6) June 21, 2024
From an ardent Argentine Fan#CopaAmèrica2024
I NEED MY MONEY BACK !!! @FanCode
— Mohammed Shinadh 𝕏 (@Shinadh1) June 21, 2024
You charged me ₹149/- for Copa America Pass and now You’re not telecasting it. What a shameful act!! No response to Mail and other Tweets. Pathetic service!! #fancode #scammers
Hello @CopaAmerica we are waiting for the broadcast of Copa America 2024 in India. The tournament starts today but till now there is no announcement of streaming partner for India. Please don’t disappoint the fans in India. @SonySportsNetwk @FanCode @CBF_Futebol @StarSportsIndia
— Amartya Sarkar (@amartyasarkar) June 20, 2024
@FanCode why did u sold pass for nearly a week and then backed away from streaming Copa America Tournament? Why did u betrayed and scammed us?
— Rajib Ghosh (@RAJIBGH38) June 20, 2024
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