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FIFA has hinted that the 2023 Women’s World Cup may not be shown on Major European countries’ TV stations.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, while speaking on Monday said the European broadcasters have offered unreasonable prices for media rights of broadcasting the tournament.
Infantino threatened a television blackout of the Women’s World Cup in European countries unless broadcasters improve their offers for rights.
“The offers from broadcasters, mainly in the ‘Big Five’ European countries, are still very disappointing,” Infantino was quoted at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, stressing that the revenue will go back into women’s football to help grow the game.
Infantino accused broadcasters of offering between $1 million and $10 million to show the Women’s World Cup, compared to the $100-200 million they pay for the men’s version.
The five countries are thought to be Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
“This is a slap in the face of all the great FIFA Women’s World Cup players and indeed of all women worldwide,” said Infantino.
“To be very clear, it is our moral and legal obligation not to undersell the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Therefore, should the offers continue not to be fair (towards women and women’s football), we will be forced not to broadcast the FIFA Women’s World Cup into the ‘Big Five’ European countries.”
Because of the time difference, World Cup matches will not take place during prime-time hours in Europe, but Infantino said that was no excuse.
“Maybe, because it is in Australia and New Zealand, it’s not played on prime time in Europe, but still, it is played at 9:00 am or 10:00 am, so it is quite a reasonable time,” he said.
The World Cup starts on July 20 and ends August 20.
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