World Cup broadcast deadlock ends up in Indian court

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NEW DELHI: A legal standoff over World Cup broadcasting rights in India has reached the Delhi High Court, as fans express growing concern that they will be unable to watch the tournament when it begins in less than a month. 

On Tuesday, the court issued a notice to the Indian government and public broadcaster Prasar Bharti to respond to a petition pleading for live coverage of the global event.

The deadlock centers on a significant financial gap between FIFA's demands and local offers. While FIFA sought approximately $100 million for the broadcasting rights to the 2026 and 2030 World Cups, the current offer from JioStar stands at only about $20 million. This impasse has left India as one of the few major global markets without a confirmed broadcaster.

The petition argues that the lack of a viewing deal violates the ‘fundamental right to receive information’ for millions of citizens. Despite the World Cup being designated as a ‘sporting event of national importance,’ no agreement has been sealed with only weeks remaining before the June 11 kickoff in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Broadcasters in the region have shown caution in bidding, primarily due to concerns that late-night kickoff times will negatively impact viewership and advertising revenue. 

This hesitation is not unique to India; China and Thailand have also yet to strike deals, raising the possibility of a significant broadcast blackout across large swathes of Asia.

Although India, the world's most populous nation is not competing in the tournament, the demand for coverage remains high among football fans. The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 20, as supporters wait to see if judicial intervention will secure access to the world’s biggest football party.