FIFA has reportedly rejected recent bids for the television rights to the 2023 Women’s World Cup next year, which is being held in Australia and New Zealand. The offers on the table from broadcasters were reportedly too low.
We know in the UK, BBC and ITV had their offers rejected, and broadcasters from Germany, France and Italy also made offers that have all been rejected too.
Chief business officer at FIFA, Romy Gai said: “There is a lack of willingness (from) broadcasters to pay what the women’s game deserves.”
All the broadcasters who have made an offer have been challenged by FIFA to improve their offer in terms of value.
FIFA turning down these counties could prove to be a risky decision as women’s football has achieved so much over the past year. Both the Women’s Euros final this summer and Champions League final in may recorded their highest ever TV viewings. The Euros final saw around 17 million people globally watch England bring home the trophy while the Champions League final saw around 3.6 million people watching live.
Women’s football fan and member of the All for United podcast Conner Roberts said: “If the world cup, the biggest international event isn’t broadcast across Europe especially, it would be such a shame for the world class players on show.
“The women’s game has grown so much over the last year alone, so many players are idolised by young girls across the globe, imagine them not having the chance to watch their idols play on TV during the world cup.”
No major coverage of the Women’s World Cup could be a tragedy for women’s football and as the offers made by the broadcasters haven’t been revealed, a quick resolution may be quite difficult.
But Roberts believes, FIFA or these broadcasters must do something otherwise women’s football may take a big step backwards.
Sporty AF 