FIFA said on Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to air the 2023 Women’s World Cup, avoiding a controversial blackout in the ‘Big Five’ European nations. The agreement followed a standoff between FIFA and broadcasters in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom over rights for the competition in Australia and New Zealand in July and August.
“FIFA is delighted to widen the deal with the European Broadcasting Union for the transmission of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup to include the five major markets within their existing networks, namely France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as Ukraine, thus ensuring maximum exposure for the tournament,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the football body’s website.
The deal’s financial terms were not disclosed.
Infantino has previously criticised broadcasters in the ‘Big Five’ European countries for providing far less than the amount paid to show the men’s World Cup.
The time difference in Europe was a stumbling barrier since games were frequently played in the early morning on the continent, however, Infantino stated that was no excuse.
FIFA listed the German broadcasters ARD and ZDF, the British broadcasters BBC and ITV, France Televisions, RAI in Italy and RTVE in Spain. M6, which is not a part of the EBU, was also announced as a broadcaster.
