Infantino seeking 'fair deal' for the Women's World Cup media rights

FIFA president Gianni Infantino insists he is continuing to seek a ‘fair deal’ for the Women’s World Cup media rights ‘in line’ with surge in popularity… with the tournament at risk of a blackout less than 50 days out

• A deal to broadcast the Women’s World Cup in the UK has not yet been agreed 
• Just under two months away from the first game, the impasse remains in place 
• Gianni Infantino has said he will continue to work toward securing a ‘fair deal’ 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is continuing to seek a ‘fair deal’ for the remaining rights for the Women’s World Cup this summer, with the tournament in disarray and at risk of a blackout in several countries after underwhelming bids.

As reported by Mail Sport earlier this week, the tournament may not be shown in the UK, with the government calling on FIFA, the BBC and ITV to find an agreement.

Indeed, broadcast deals have not yet been agreed for a host of other nations, despite the showpiece beginning in Australia and New Zealand in less than 50 days.

Infantino described offers from broadcasters in the ‘Big Five’ European countries – also including France, Germany, Italy and Spain – as ‘very disappointing’ and a ‘slap in the face’, and there has still been no movement on the current impasse.

After welcoming representatives of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, Infantino delved further into his desire to broker a better deal for the competition ‘in line with the growth of the women’s game’.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is continuing to seek a ‘fair deal’ for the Women’s World Cup

The 2023 tournament gets underway on July 20 – with just under two months left to go

‘The European Broadcasting Union and their members have been long-term partners of FIFA and together they have helped bring our tournaments to a massive TV audience across many territories for many years,’ Infantino said. 

‘This is set to continue with the FIFA Women’s World Cup which kicks off in 50 days, and we continue to seek a fair deal for the remaining media rights for the tournament in line with the growth of the women’s game.

‘We also appreciate that the EBU are looking at ways to promote the rapid development of women’s football on their various channels.

‘It was good to understand the plans that the EBU have, and how they are committed to developing football coverage across their network for the years to come.’

Infantino claimed bids of between £800,000 and £8million had been made, in comparison to offers of between £80.3m and £160m for the men’s edition. 

The risk of the blackout remains despite BBC and ITV pundits already booking their hotels, seemingly due to confidence the broadcasters will screen the tournament.

But the government has admitted their ‘concern’ over the stand-off. 

Infantino described bids made for the World Cup as ‘very disappointing’ and a ‘slap in the face’

BBC and ITV pundits have already booked their hotels for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand (Alex Scott and Ian Wright picturing during BBC’s coverage for Euro 2022)

There remains a concern that the competition may not be shown in the UK this summer

In a statement, they wrote: ‘Because of the high potential of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the sport and social issues at stake, we consider it our responsibility to fully mobilise all stakeholders, for them to quickly reach an agreement. 

‘These are decisions for FIFA and broadcasters to take independently, but we know that discussions are in progress and we are confident in FIFA and independent broadcasters’ capability to find a common path toward fair development of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.’

The statement was co-signed by Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, along with representatives from Germany, France, Spain and Italy. 

Speaking at the World Trade Organisation HQ in Geneva, Infantino had insisted that if offers ‘continue not to be fair, we will be forced not to broadcast the FIFA Women’s World Cup into the “Big 5” European countries’.

Italy’s RAI and Germany’s ZDF and ARD have offered lower bids for the women’s tournament than they did for the men’s competition, claiming their decision was made because matches will be broadcast at ‘unappealing times’.

FIFA, though, have been less than impressed with the stance and pointed to the European viewing figures for the men’s World Cup in Japan and Korea in 2002. 

Speaking on the situation previously, Infantino said: ‘This is a slap in the face of all the great FIFA Women’s World Cup players and indeed of all women worldwide. 

‘To be very clear, it is our moral and legal obligation not to undersell the FIFA Women’s World Cup.’

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