Qatar-based channel beIN Sports has returned to the UAE airwaves after a deal with telecoms operator du was reportedly penned on Sunday to ensure viewers can watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Last weekend, beIN Sports went off the air, causing widespread panic among football fans whose ability to watch the upcoming World Cup in Russia depended on their du subscription.

A statement from the channel on Twitter stated that despite “lengthy negotiations, it has not been able to reach an agreement to continue its services over du’s network”.

The agreement between the two ended on May 31, and although du was provided an extension of 24 hours to conclude the renewal process, no deal was reached, beIN said.

However, du has now confirmed that “beIN channels are back and the regular broadcasting has resumed”.

There had been concern that the situation was designed to inflate the cost of the beIN Sports package ahead of the tournament, however, du insists that the price of the World Cup subscription has remained the same.

After the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain cut all ties with Qatar last year, beIN Sports was temporarily blocked in the Emirates before being restored in the country in time for the start of the 2017-18 Premier League season.

Part of the Al Jazeera network of channels, beIN Sports holds the exclusive broadcasting rights to a number of major international sporting tournaments including the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, La Liga, Formula 1 Grand Prix and the NBA.