Govt cuts FIFA broadcast cost to near zero: Info Minister

Government has reduced its FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasting bill to almost zero by bypassing intermediaries and selling rights to private broadcasters after directly purchasing them from FIFA,  said Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday.

“The government's expenditure on broadcasting the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been brought down to almost zero by purchasing the broadcasting rights directly from FIFA and sub-licensing these to private organizations,” he said while speaking at a press conference.

The minister said the money needed to pay FIFA was arranged through private initiatives and sub-licensing, putting almost no pressure on the government treasury.

The press conference on the broadcasting of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches was held at the Information Department.

Acting Information and Broadcasting Secretary Md. Shahe Alam, Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed and Bangladesh Television (BTV) Director General Md. Mahbubul Alam were present at the press conference.

The minister said Bangladesh purchased the media rights directly from FIFA for $3.85 million, and almost the entire amount was later collected by sub-licensing the rights to four institutions. 

As a result, the government's cash expenditure has been limited to Tk 30 million to Tk 50 million. He hoped the remaining deficit could also be recovered through negotiations and sub-licensing.

Swapan said that although the broadcasting rights for the 2022 World Cup were purchased from FIFA for $3.2 million, they came to Bangladesh through intermediaries.

At that time, BTV purchased the broadcasting rights for Tk 980 million, while various rights were sold to private broadcasting media for about Tk 390 million. He alleged that the process had become a centre of corruption and looting.

The minister said the government signed an agreement directly with FIFA this time, leaving no opportunity for middlemen. He said this saved state funds and allowed crores of football fans to enjoy the World Cup without putting pressure on government revenue.

He also said efforts were made to ensure transparency and prevent the wastage of government money.

Asked about allegations of corruption in purchasing the 2022 World Cup broadcasting rights, Swapon said the law was taking its own course and the necessary process was underway.

BTV Director General Md. Mahbubul Alam said a departmental investigation had already been launched, while the ACC was also conducting a preliminary investigation. The Information Ministry will officially contact the ACC if necessary after the departmental investigation is completed.

He also said BTV could ultimately benefit financially if the cost of producing alternative programmes for the World Cup broadcast time slots was taken into account. BTV engineers also efficiently managed the broadcasts and demonstrated their technical capabilities.

Information Secretary Md. Shahe Alam said there had been risks of cyber attacks during the broadcasts. However, BTV engineers, telecommunications experts and other concerned parties successfully ensured the broadcasts while protecting the broadcasting rights.

Swapon also responded positively to a proposal for special programmes linking Bangladesh with popular football teams such as Brazil and Argentina, saying the matter would be discussed with the Bangladesh Football Federation.

He said the government is also planning to introduce a "sports card" to involve more young people in sports and create professional opportunities for promising youth.

The minister further said a "New Media" project is being implemented to create digital content for BTV, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels. He hoped its activities would become visible within the current financial year.