Millions of football fans in India and China are facing uncertainty over access to the upcoming FIFA World Cup as broadcast deals with FIFA remain unfinalised just weeks before the tournament begins.
Unlike previous editions, where global rights are typically secured well in advance, negotiations in both countries are still ongoing, raising concerns about possible disruptions in two of the world’s largest media markets.
According to local reports, talks between FIFA and broadcasters in both countries have stalled over pricing disagreements.
FIFA confirmed that discussions are continuing but declined to disclose financial details, describing them as confidential.
FIFA has secured broadcast agreements in about 180 territories worldwide, but India and China together representing nearly a third of the global population remained among the few major markets without confirmed deals.
In China, reports suggest FIFA initially demanded up to $300 million from state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), later reducing the figure to between $120 million and $150 million.
However, even the revised amount is reportedly beyond CCTV’s budget allocation.
Viewership concerns have also been raised in China due to the national team’s failure to qualify and the inconvenient early-morning match timings caused by time zone differences.
Historically, FIFA and CCTV completed World Cup broadcast deals much earlier. Agreements for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments were finalised in 2017.
In India, no official deal has yet been announced, though reports indicate negotiations are ongoing and a resolution may still be reached.
Until then, millions of fans remain uncertain about live coverage access.
Send the next one whenever you’re ready.
