FANS in the Asia Pacific are facing a battle to watch regular AFL matches following confirmation that funding to the ABC's Australia Network will be cut.
The federal government confirmed the move in its budget announcement on Tuesday night in Canberra.
The future of the channel remains up in the air, with the government not ruling out a commercial operator taking over the spectrum, which broadcasts Australian television content to approximately 44 countries.
Australia Network currently broadcasts up to four games each round via satellite into homes and hotels.
The broadcasts are particularly popular with tourists and expatriates.
"Fans in the Asia Pacific will still be able to watch AFL matches via the Australia Network until further notice," an AFL spokesman said on Wednesday.
The AFL is working on alternate means to transmit games into the region.
"In the meantime, the AFL is in ongoing discussions with the ABC regarding the options available for continuation of television coverage of AFL matches into the Asia/Pacific market, reflecting its significance to our code and the growth of Australian football internationally," the spokesman said.
"AFL Fans in the Asia Pacific should also note that all AFL matches and AFL highlights are available via WatchAFL, the international streaming service that allows people to view every game live or on demand on their desktop, mobile or tablet."
