BBC, ITV ink FIFA deal for 2018/22 World Cups

BBC and ITV have signed a new deal with FIFA to broadcast the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2022 FIFA World Cup across TV, radio and online. Securing the shared exclusive rights for BBC and ITV continues the free to air broadcasting of FIFA World Cup tournaments to UK television viewers, as well as encompassing online and radio coverage.

The 2018 finals will be the 14th consecutive FIFA World Cup that BBC and ITV broadcast together. Over three quarters of the UK population tuned in to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

BBC director of sport Barbara Slater said: “We are delighted to have secured the rights to one of the biggest sporting events in the world. It is fantastic news that the pinnacle event in world football will continue to be available free of charge for everyone in the UK. As we prepare for kick off in Brazil we hope viewers at home will enjoy watching it as much as we will look forward to broadcasting it.”

Niall Sloane, ITV director of sport, said: “The excitement building on the eve of this summer’s tournament in Brazil demonstrates how the FIFA World Cup offers a shared, collective experience for people across the UK. So we’re thrilled to be able to look forward to bringing the next two World Cups free to air to viewers in 2018 and 2022.”

Niclas Ericson, director of FIFA TV, said: “FIFA is delighted to continue working with the BBC and ITV in the delivery of our flagship World Cup to audiences in the United Kingdom. Football fans in the UK can look forward to enjoying the very best coverage of the World Cup free-to-air for a long time to come.”