Free football vanishes: mediapro pulls gol classics from orange & samsung tv plus
Football fans tuning into Orange and Samsung TV Plus just lost a free source of classic matches. It's not a decision by the providers themselves, but a strategic shift by Mediapro, the company behind Gol Classics, that has abruptly removed the channel from these platforms.
A surprise departure after just a year
The sudden disappearance of Gol Classics, launched just last year, has left subscribers of both Orange TV and Samsung TV Plus scratching their heads. Why the abrupt exit? While the absence is noticeable, the reasoning centers on Mediapro’s broader plans, specifically the impending closure of GolStadium on April 16th. This isn’t a complete shutdown, but rather a consolidation of content.
Mediapro’s communication to users clearly outlines the change: access to GolStadium’s apps and content will cease, redirecting viewers to Goltelevisión.com. Essentially, the channel is transitioning from a free, ad-supported (FAST) model to a subscription-based service.
The shift impacts more than just Samsung TV Plus and Orange TV. Pluto TV subscribers have already seen Gol Classics vanish, and other platforms where the channel had a presence are also affected. The channel, previously found on dial 4640 on Samsung TV Plus and dial 138 on Orange TV, is now gone.
What exactly did Gol Classics offer? Primarily, it showcased a curated selection of vintage Spanish league (La Liga) football matches and related content. While no longer free, the content will live on under the Goltelevisión umbrella. Orange, if it wishes to offer the channel again, will need to negotiate a new agreement with Mediapro, mirroring the current arrangement for the main GOL channel found on dial 137.
This isn't an isolated incident. Several channels have recently shuffled around on Samsung Smart TVs, and Orange TV has also seen its lineup evolve. The rapid changes highlight the ongoing adjustments within the competitive streaming landscape as providers seek to optimize their offerings and revenue streams.
The disappearance of Gol Classics serves as a stark reminder that even free content isn't always guaranteed. It's a calculated move by Mediapro to monetize its library of classic football matches, leaving viewers to decide whether the subscription fee is worth the replay value.