The Cairo Economic Court ruled to fine Chairman of beIN Sports Nasser bin Ghanim al-Khelaifi with EGP400 million (USD 22.6 million approximately) on charges of violating competition protection rules and monopolising broadcast rights.

The charges stated that the company demanded that subscribers switch from Nilesat (Egypt’s satellite) to Qatar’s  satellite at their own expense to view the company’s sports packages without providing any technical reason for such a transfer.

In a statement, BeIN denied any wrongdoing.

“BeIN categorically rejects, and is shocked and appalled by, the judgement of the Cairo Economic Court in Egypt,” read the statement.

“The judgement is based on unfounded and politically motivated allegations by the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) that have no basis in fact or law.

“At all times, BeIN has acted in full compliance with all relevant laws, including competition law, and will pursue all legal means available to challenge the judgment.”

Egypt’s anti-trust authority had in 2014 accused BeIN of violating rules by requiring viewers interested in football’s World Cup to subscribe for at least a year and purchase a specific satellite receiver.

BeIN Sports has the exclusive broadcasting rights of several world football championships including the English Premier League matches over the MENA region.