TV rights of the Women's World Cup: the Minister of Sport asks that broadcasters and FIFA find a solution

The women's world championship starts in less than two months, and there is still no solution. At present, in France as in other European countries such as Germany, Spain, England or Italy, no broadcaster has found common ground with FIFA to broadcast the next Women's World Cup (20 July-20 August). This means, in short, that at present, the matches of the Blues would not be visible on television.

A situation that does not satisfy the Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castera. Together with the other sports ministers of the countries mentioned, "AOC" issued an official statement on Wednesday morning in which it asks "FIFA and broadcasters to find ways and means of a fair development of the competition".

We, the Sports Ministers of European countries whose women's national football teams have qualified for the Women's World Cup, call on FIFA and broadcasters to find ways and means to ensure the fair development of the competition 👇https://t.co/CGWiagmGzE pic.twitter.com/qAfMIZF3mi

— Amélie Oudéa-Castéra (@AOC1978) May 31, 2023

"We are aware of the legitimate interests and budgetary constraints on both rights holders and independent broadcasters," the statement said. We also recognise the specific organisational constraints that may affect the 'market value' of rights for broadcasters [...] Nevertheless, we are convinced of the crucial importance of media coverage of this competition to improve the overall visibility of women's sport in our European countries."

Without mentioning means of action, the Ministers of Sport consider that it is "our duty to fully mobilize all stakeholders so that they can quickly find an agreement. [...] We know that discussions are progressing and we trust FIFA and independent broadcasters to find ways and means to promote the competition. »

Monday, in our columns, it is the former star of the football France team Marinette Pichon who held a similar speech. "It would be a scandal (editor's note: that the World Cup is not broadcast), she said. I am surprised that no one has taken a position, even though I hear the economic arguments put forward. I don't want to point fingers at anyone. I'm just saying that things have to change, and quickly, so that we finally have a broadcaster in France! »