Government approves purchase of FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights for Tk 727 million

Officials say the deal ensures state television access to global football’s biggest tournament starting Jun 11

The government has greenlighted a proposal to purchase media rights for the FIFA World Cup at a cost of Tk 727 million.

The proposal was cleared at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase on Sunday.

The government is acquiring the rights directly from FIFA through the direct procurement method to enable Bangladesh Television (BTV) to broadcast the tournament.

The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.

The proposal had previously been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

The showcase event is scheduled to begin on Jun 11 and run until Jul 19, with 48 nations competing for the crown.

It will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Somoy TV, T Sports Confirmed

The World Cup will also be broadcast on Somoy TV and T Sports.

BTV will share broadcasting rights with the channels.

Sources involved in the process said several other private television channels are also seeking permission from the ministry to obtain shared rights.

When asked how many channels BTV plans to share the rights with, BTV Director General Md Mahbubul Alam told bdnews24.com: “This is entirely a matter for the [information and broadcast ministry]. The ministry is handling it.”

He added, “Those who meet the required payment criteria may also be considered. Since this is under the ministry’s jurisdiction, further details can be obtained from them.”