According to Reuters, the world football governing body, FIFA, has so far failed to finalize a broadcasting deal for the 2026 World Cup in India. As a result, FIFA media officials have traveled to India to continue negotiations. The main obstacle to reaching an agreement is reportedly the disagreement over the broadcasting rights fee.
Reuters reported that the joint venture Reliance-Disney, considered India’s largest media company, had previously offered around $20 million for the broadcasting rights. However, FIFA initially demanded $100 million and later lowered its expectation to at least $60 million. This financial gap has so far prevented the two sides from reaching a deal.
In a statement, FIFA said it has already finalized broadcasting agreements for the 2026 World Cup in more than 180 regions worldwide, but negotiations regarding the Indian market are still ongoing, and details of the talks remain confidential.
Meanwhile, Sony, another major potential broadcaster in India, has not yet entered the bidding process for the rights.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, and if the deadlock continues, millions of football fans in India may not be able to watch the matches through official broadcasters. India, with around 85 million football fans, is considered one of Asia’s important football markets, although football still trails cricket significantly in popularity across the country.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
