[Football] FIFA threatening womens WC TV Blackout

[nicko31]

Apparently there's "a moral and legal obligation not to undersell the event"....

Fifa threatens Women's World Cup European blackout

Fifa president Gianni Infantino threatens a broadcast blackout for the Women's World Cup in Europe unless TV companies improve their rights offers.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Super Steve Earle]

He does realise the TV companies need big viewing figures to pay big money for the rights?

 

[Hotchilidog]

For once I think Infantino has a point. The figures for the Women's World Cup do seem derisory given the growing popularity of the Women's game at the top level.

 

[Charles 'Charley' Charles]

Is it not a bit late in the day for these TV deals to be finalised? Or is it more to do with the desperation, after the push backs they had when trying the not so intelligent idea of forcing through a sponsorship deal with the Saudi Tourist Board? The kick off times don't help, granted, however I would of thought the TV rights would of been in place for a while now.

 

[Springal]

He does realise the TV companies need big viewing figures to pay big money for the rights?

His says viewing figures are around 50%, but some offers have been 90-100% less than what companies paid for men’s World Cup

 

[Pondicherry]

I am guessing what the TV companies have offered is based on the commercial value (to them) of the TV rights and has nothing to do with the gender of the participants. That's what we all want isn't it, events valued objectively rather than on a basis of gender, race or religion?

 

[Springal]

I am guessing what the TV companies have offered is based on the commercial value (to them) of the TV rights and has nothing to do with the gender of the participants. That's what we all want isn't it, events valued objectively rather than on a basis of gender, race or religion?

Don’t let Paul Barber hear you say that to Man Utd, Man City etc !

 

[dejavuatbtn]

If the money went to women’s football and not to line his pockets I would have some sympathy.
FIFA continues to stink despite getting rid of its last leader.

 

[halbpro]

2018 men's World Cup attracted around 3.3 billion viewers. 2019 women's World cup attracted 1.12 billion viewers.

European broadcasters pay around $100-200m for the men's World Cup, but are offering only $1-10m for the rights to the women's tournament. Yes, kick off times in Australia are going to lower the viewership, but even so it's pretty insulting to offer over 10 times less.

 

[halbpro]

If the money went to women’s football and not to line his pockets I would have some sympathy.
FIFA continues to stink despite getting rid of its last leader.

To be fair, they've upped the prize fund from $30m in 2019 to $150m this year. I suspect FIFA are still pocketing a huge chunk, but at least we're seeing far more go to the actual teams now

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

2018 men's World Cup attracted around 3.3 billion viewers. 2019 women's World cup attracted 1.12 billion viewers.

European broadcasters pay around $100-200m for the men's World Cup, but are offering only $1-10m for the rights to the women's tournament. Yes, kick off times in Australia are going to lower the viewership, but even so it's pretty insulting to offer over 10 times less.

If the market was there it wouldn't be so low, companies are not going to bid more just because FIFA or whoever wishes it so.

 

[amexer]

TV companies know the interest and will pay accordingly. . Great that womens football is pushed and now good interest with girls. Fact is for all the talk apart from big one off games and internationals crowds are very poor.

 

[Nobby Cybergoat]

Market forces prevailing as far as I can tell.

I actually think Infantino is a worse FIFA president than Blatter, and I don't say that lightly.

 

[Westdene Seagull]

After the last men's World Cup I hardly think FIFA are in a position to preach morals to TV companies.

 

[Hamilton]

For once I think Infantino has a point. The figures for the Women's World Cup do seem derisory given the growing popularity of the Women's game at the top level.

I know what you mean, but I think they are derisory in comparison to the vastly over-bloated sums they have been paying to FIFA for the men's game.

I'm a full supporter of the women's game, but I'd imagine that the amount's they have offered are in line with what broadcasters should be paying FIFA for national teams. Perhaps broadcasters should reduce what they pay for the men's team.

Infantino is only interested in one thing, and that is rinsing broadcasters for as much cash as he can. He's not interested in the women's game.

 

[Javeaseagull]

Does Infantino seriously believe he can blackmail commercial TV companies into paying more than they decide is worth it? Maybe he hopes the BBC and others can be coerced into upping the ante. Good luck with that mate. He’s upped the prize money and now he is scrabbling around trying to pay for it!

 

[studio150]

Fine, blackout the tournament in the UK and other major European countries, that will certainly promote the Womens game and encourage more investment and interest in the game.

It was FIFA's decision to unbundle the TV rights, no doubt on the assumption that they could get more revenue. They are now getting a reality check and someone at FIFA has got their budget forecast wrong.

Who in Europe other than insomniacs are going to tune in for live coverage during the night or when at work in the morning.

 

[Pondicherry]

Don’t let Paul Barber hear you say that to Man Utd, Man City etc !

Good point!!

 

[Hotchilidog]

Infantino is only interested in one thing, and that is rinsing broadcasters for as much cash as he can. He's not interested in the women's game.

Oh I agree, I think he is making a good point for all the wrong reasons.

 

[Guinness Boy]

2018 men's World Cup attracted around 3.3 billion viewers. 2019 women's World cup attracted 1.12 billion viewers.

European broadcasters pay around $100-200m for the men's World Cup, but are offering only $1-10m for the rights to the women's tournament. Yes, kick off times in Australia are going to lower the viewership, but even so it's pretty insulting to offer over 10 times less.

It being in Australia is the big down tick. In a free market something is only worth what people are prepared to pay