Millions of football fans in the world's two most populous countries may not be able to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which starts next month, due to a deadlock over broadcast rights in India and no official decision in China.
The World Cup is set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and is expected to be the biggest tournament ever. But the terms between FIFA and Indian broadcasters have been delayed over financial disagreement.
In India, a Reliance-Disney joint venture has offered $20 million for the World Cup broadcast rights, a fraction of FIFA's asking price, which was not acceptable to global football body, according to Reuters. Sony, too, held talks but decided not to make an offer for FIFA rights for India.
With cricket continuing as the major eyeball-grabber in the country, broadcaster reason that football cannot make "profitable income" as much as cricket.
Interestingly, the historic final between Argentina and France at the 2022 FIFA World Cup was watched by 32 million digital viewers from India on JioCinema. It was a record high for digital viewership in India, overtaking traditional TV for the first time for a major global sports event.
FIFA has set a value close to $100 million for broadcast in India, though there are reports that it has now been reduced to $35 million.
One of the major problems for the broadcasting channels is the timing of the matches. Since the tournament is being held in North America, most of the matches will be telecast late at night or early in the morning in India. The timing will reduce potential viewers and advertising revenue, making it a risky investment.
Prasar Bharati (Doordarshan) and FIFA are now in talks to secure the broadcasting rights, though a final decision has not been taken yet.
