GENEVA (AP) — FIFA finally world cup A broadcast rights deal with China was signed on Friday, just 27 days before the opening game, and the price is reportedly much lower than the soccer body had hoped for.
overall Agreement with Chinese media group FIFA said in a statement that it will cover the next four World Cups (two each for men and women) until 2031. This includes a 48-team, 104-game men’s tournament in North America starting June 11th. China was not eligible to participate..
Chinese state media reported on Friday that the value of a spot in the 2026 World Cup is $60 million.
FIFA had originally sought $300 million, Chinese media reported in recent weeks as the deadline for the deal approached.
A rights agreement with India has not been confirmed.
“We are really pleased that we have reached an agreement with CMG,” FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström said in a statement from the football association. He was in China this week for talks with officials from the Chinese Football Federation.
FIFA’s influence in China was low because there is a time difference of up to 15 hours from Beijing to the 16 host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Chinese companies are already investing heavily in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Generates more than $11 billion in profits for FIFA.
technology companies lenovo is one of FIFA’s top eight sponsor partners, and the second tier deal was signed by the dairy company. mengyu and electronics manufacturers hisense.
Chinese conglomerate Wanda Long-term contract with FIFA It ended in 2016, but it ended two years ago.
The value of the television rights for the 2030 World Cup has not been disclosed, but it was once possible that it would be made public. Sponsored by China Wanda said this is part of the strategy with FIFA. The country’s ambition to host an international football tournament Stymied by the new coronavirus pandemic.
The 2030 men’s tournament will primarily be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with single matches currently scheduled to be held in Argentina, Paraguay and 1930 World Cup host Uruguay.
The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil. 2031 world cup Primarily the United States includes Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica.
The decision to hold the tournament, with no rival candidates, was approved by FIFA member federations in November.
___
Associated Press writer Didi Tan in Washington, D.C., contributed.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
