The broadcasters are running out of time in the dispute over the TV rights to the Women's World Cup. Now politicians are getting involved again – with combined forces.
Berlin – The Women's World Cup is getting closer and closer – and there is still no agreement in sight in poker over broadcasting rights. Neither the broadcasters nor FIFA are apparently willing to compromise. In view of Gianni Infantino's threat of a TV blackout at the World Cup, top European politicians led by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser have now urged those involved to act.
| FIFA Women's World Cup | |
|---|---|
| Date: | 20 July to 20 August 2023 |
| Games: | 64 |
| Number of nations: | 32 |
| Venues: | Australia and New Zealand |
European ministers call for "swift agreement" in dispute over TV rights to Women's World Cup
On Wednesday, the sports ministers from Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Great Britain commented on the still unresolved situation surrounding TV rights. Due to the "enormous charisma" of the World Cup "as well as its sporting and social impact, we see it as our responsibility to call on all parties involved to reach an agreement quickly," they said.
It was noted "with concern" that the television rights for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand (20 July to 20 August) have not yet been awarded in the respective countries, the joint statement continued. This was published by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, among others.
Is now building up increased pressure in the poker game for the TV rights to the Women's World Cup: Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser. © Imago / IPON
TV poker over Women's World Cup: Ministers emphasise "significant influence" of the media on women's sporting development
Faeser and her colleagues are "aware of the legitimate interests and limited financial resources of both rights holders and independent broadcasters, all of whom need a viable financing model." It also recognises "the specific organisational challenges that could affect the 'market value' of the rights of European broadcasters". Most recently, national goalkeeper Almuth Schult was surprised at the sums in the TV poker for the Women's World Cup.
However, the Federal Minister of the Interior and her counterparts Miquel Iceta i Llorens (Spain), Andrea Abodi (Italy), Amelie Oudea-Castera (France) and Lucy Frazer (Great Britain) stressed that media attention to women's sport has "a significant impact on the development of women's and girls' sporting activities". In addition, the reporting could make "women's sport in our European countries more visible worldwide".
Will FIFA and TV broadcasters agree on Women's World Cup? Talks are underway, according to sports ministers
The politicians are "aware that corresponding talks are already taking place," the statement said. "We are sure that FIFA and independent broadcasters will work together to find ways and means to provide an appropriate stage for this competition".
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino had accused the public broadcasters of underbidding and threatened a TV blackout in several European nations. In addition, his biggest critic from the ranks of the world federation had recently taken Infantino's side. (dpa/wuc)