FIFA World Cup TV Rights Delayed in India and China

Millions of football fans in India and China may be unable to watch the upcoming FIFA World Cup after broadcast agreements for both countries remain unresolved just weeks before the tournament begins.

The delay is unusual for an event of this scale, where media rights are typically secured long before kickoff to guarantee global coverage. However, negotiations between FIFA and broadcasters in both countries are still ongoing, with pricing disagreements emerging as the main sticking point.

FIFA confirmed that discussions are continuing but declined to disclose the details of the negotiations.

So far, the football governing body has secured broadcast deals in about 180 territories worldwide, but India and China, two of the world’s largest media markets, remain without confirmed agreements, leaving a significant portion of the global audience in limbo.

In China, reports suggest that FIFA initially proposed a broadcast rights fee of around $300 million to China Central Television (CCTV). The figure is said to have been reduced to between $120 million and $150 million, but even the lower amount reportedly exceeds CCTV’s allocated budget for the tournament.

Chinese media also point to additional challenges affecting interest in the deal, including the national team’s failure to qualify for the tournament and the unfavourable time difference, which would push many matches into late-night or early-morning viewing hours.

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Historically, agreements between FIFA and CCTV have been concluded much earlier. Deals for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, for example, were finalised years in advance, ensuring smooth broadcast preparation.

In India, negotiations are also believed to be in advanced stages, with local reports suggesting a deal could still be reached. However, no official agreement has been announced, keeping millions of viewers uncertain about access to live coverage.

Until contracts are finalised, the situation remains unresolved, raising concerns over possible blackouts in two of the world’s most populous countries during one of global football’s biggest events.

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