Algerians priced out of WCup coverage
SOUTH AFRICA 2010
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Hackers and high prices are thwarting Algerians’ plans to watch World Cup matches not involving the national team.
Algeria reached the World Cup for the first time in 24 years by beating fierce rivals Egypt, thrilling a country reeling from more than a decade of civil war and now grappling with terrorism linked to al-Qaida and massive unemployment.
Only a few hundred Algerian supporters are expected in South Africa to cheer on the sole Arab team. The rest of the country had planned to watch the tournament from home, but many fans are finding themselves priced out of cable television access.
The Algerian government has the rights to broadcast 22 games, but state TV will only show the national team’s three group matches.
