Egypt's competition watchdog has referred The Confederation of African Football (CAF) for prosecution over the sale of its global TV rights, which it claims breaches monopoly rules. African Cup of Nations 2017 logoThe Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) made the announcement ahead of the start of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon on 14 January. Cairo-based CAF's worldwide broadcast rights have been extended until 2028 to French company Lagardère Sports for a reported fee of US$1 billion. CAF, which denies the antitrust claims, agreed to renew the contract "after evaluating the different offers submitted and in strict compliance with the existing contractual clauses", it said. Saying the contract guarantees African football "a substantial increase in revenues and substantial funding for the development of football on the continent," the CAF added "the contract with Lagardère Sports does not contravene national or supranational legislation".