Apple close to deal with FIFA on TV rights for new tournament

Football's international governing body, FIFA, is close to reaching a deal with Apple to give the company worldwide television rights to the new tournament.

Here's What We Know

The deal with Apple is expected to be announced this month. The contract is estimated to be worth around $1 billion, a quarter of the $4 billion that FIFA originally wanted.

The potential deal would give the company's AppleTV+ streaming service an advantage over competitors who also want to acquire rights to sporting events. If the deal goes through, it will be the first time FIFA has agreed to a single international contract.

Senior FIFA executives have expressed concern about the possibility of a "free-to-air TV right" that would make the event available only to Apple TV+ subscribers. Sponsors are also unwilling to commit the $150 million the organisation is seeking for sponsorship packages.

In addition, FIFA has faced criticism from players' unions for not consulting them before announcing the event.

Source: Reuters