PETALING JAYA: The government’s expenditure to secure the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the lowest compared to previous editions, thanks to strategic cooperation with three main sponsors.
Director-general of Broadcasting at RTM Ashwad Ismail said a large portion of the cost to obtain broadcasting rights for the tournament was covered through sponsorship with three telecommunications companies – Unifi, CelcomDigi and U Mobile.
“I can say that the government’s expenditure is at the minimum level, even compared to the 2022 World Cup. The government has spent less this time,” said Ashwad at the sponsorship event yesterday.
“A large portion of the funds was from our sponsors.”
For this year’s World Cup, set to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the government had allocated RM24mil for the rights – compared to its allocation of RM32.5mil for the 2022 edition in Qatar – to be broadcasted on RTM.
Although the total broadcasting rights fee was not disclosed, Ashwad said the costs continued to rise, as neighbouring countries have had to fork up hundreds of millions.
He noted that Thailand reportedly are having to pay around US$40mil (RM157mil) for their broadcasting rights.
According to sources close to the matter, Malaysia paid around US$35mil (RM137mil) for the 2026 World Cup to be broadcast.
Meanwhile, it was also announced that all 104 World Cup matches will be shown live on both Unifi TV and through RTM.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil had previously announced that all matches would be broadcast live on Unifi TV, while RTM would air the majority of matches either live or delayed.
“I am pleased to announce that all 104 matches will be shown live on RTM and Unifi TV. Both platforms will show the full matches,” said Fahmi.
“This is an effort to ensure the people can enjoy the world-class tournament without additional costs.”
