FIFA has struck broadcast deals for the World Cup in Russia and Italy six months ahead of the tournament’s kick-off.
Russian rights have been acquired by the 2SPORT2 consortium (representing Channel One, RTR, and Match TV), for an undisclosed sum.
Philippe Le Floc’h, FIFA’s chief commercial officer, said: “The Russian consortium of broadcasters did a fantastic job of transmitting the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 this summer in the host territory, and we know that they will help to convey the special atmosphere that we will enjoy in Russia next summer.”
FIFA has also agreed a deal in Italy with Mediaset for live rights to all 64 matches which will be aired on its free-to-air channels. It’s thought the Italian team’s failure to qualify for the finals had reduced the buying competition in the market.
FIFA said that rights in both Russia and Italy “have been awarded on a platform-neutral basis, allowing fans to enjoy TV, internet, mobile, and radio coverage of the competition.”
