Women’s World Cup at risk of UK TV blackout as government call on deal to be agreed
BREAKING NEWS: Women’s World Cup again at risk of UK TV blackout as government calls on FIFA, BBC and ITV to ‘make a deal quickly’ after President Gianni Infantino refused to sign over disparities with the men’s game
The Women’s World Cup is again at risk of a TV blackout in the UK, after the government called on FIFA, BBC and ITV to broker a deal.
For some of the biggest footballing countries, no broadcasting agreements have yet been signed in the run-up to the tournament that will start in less than two months.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino described offers from broadcasters in the ‘Big Five’ European countries – which also include France, Germany, Italy and Spain – as ‘deeply disappointing’ and ‘a slap in the face’.
There is a risk of a blackout despite BBC and ITV pundits having already booked their hotels, confident that broadcasters will broadcast the tournament.
However, the government has now had its say in a statement admitting their “concern” that a deal has not yet been reached.
It is feared that the Women’s World Cup will not be broadcast in the United Kingdom
They wrote: ‘Given the great potential of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the sporting and social issues at stake, we see it as our responsibility to fully mobilize all stakeholders so that they can reach an agreement quickly.
“These are decisions for FIFA and the broadcasters to make independently of each other, but we know that discussions are underway and we are confident that FIFA and the independent broadcasters can find a common path towards the fair development of FIFA. Women’s World Cup.”
Infantino claimed bids between £800,000 and £8 million ($1 million and $10 million) had been earned, compared to £80.3 million – £160 million ($100 million – 200 million) for the men’s version.
There is a risk of a blackout, despite BBC and ITV pundits having already booked their hotels in confidence that broadcasters will broadcast the tournament.
More to follow…