KUALA LUMPUR: Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd
, which has broadcast the FIFA World Cup for the past two decades, said its bid for the tournament’s broadcasting rights was unsuccessful due to rising content acquisition costs, piracy and weaker commercial viability.
“While we are disappointed that our ‘fair and competitive’ bid for the FIFA World Cup was not accepted, we are nevertheless pleased that the FIFA World Cup will remain accessible to Malaysian fans.
“As we pass the baton to the next broadcasters, we wish them every success in bringing the excitement of the event to Malaysians,” Astro said in a statement on its website.
The pay-TV operator said the landscape for premium sports content has changed significantly in recent years, with inflation and escalating international sports broadcasting rights driving up costs.
The company also said widespread piracy, particularly during the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments in Malaysia, had reduced the value of legitimate broadcasting rights.
It noted that match timings and limited lead time to secure meaningful advertising campaigns further affected the commercial value of the tournament.
Earlier, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Unifi TV have been made the official broadcasters of the Fifa World Cup 2026 in Malaysia.
“Astro is in discussions with the rights holders to explore opportunities for FIFA World Cup matches to also be carried on our platforms, Astro, NJOI (our free-to-air service), and Sooka.
“This would significantly extend reach and accessibility to millions more Malaysians at home, on business premises, and on mobile devices,” it said.
Astro said it remains committed to sports broadcasting and will continue offering coverage of major international sporting events, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Formula 1, MotoGP, Wimbledon, La Liga and Bundesliga.
The group also said it plans to place greater emphasis on local sports development and coverage, including grassroots programmes and national competitions such as the Sepak Takraw League, Netball Super League and SUKMA Selangor.
