Women's World Cup: FIFA Secretary General Samoura Urges TV Companies to Increase Offers

Fatma Samoura, FIFA Secretary General has urged television broadcasters in major European countries to come up with improved offers to avoid a TV blackout of the upcoming Women's World Cup.

"Discussions are ongoing, but I cannot see a country like France, which staged this same World Cup four years ago, not broadcasting it," Samoura told a global news agency.

The Women's World Cup is all set to be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20. At first, the championship will feature 32 teams.

Samoura’s words are in conjunction with FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s statement about a possible blackout owing to the disappointing offers from broadcasters that were received earlier this month. He mentioned that "mainly in the 'Big Five' European countries, are still very disappointing".

The FIFA president was supposedly referring to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Speaking in reference to France, she further added, "The offer we have received did not meet FIFA's expectations, as the president clearly said.”

The French team ranks fifth in the world. They intend to beat reigning champions US from retaining the trophy.

"We have a good product, the very best of women's sport," Samoura also added.

She further stated that while everyone talks about equality, however the need of the hour is to transform words into actions.

FIFA president has accused TV broadcasters of offering only $1 million to $10 million to telecast the Women's World Cup. On the contrary, men’s world cup is broadcasted at $100-200 million.

So far broadcast deals have been finalized with 155 countries.

It is of prime importance to secure deals with the remaining countries. FIFA plans to reinvest the revenue generated from media rights to strengthen women's football.

"Now is the time to turn the spotlight on women's football and show that it is just as important as the men's game," said Samoura.

"For a long time, the broadcasters have been used to paying a symbolic fee to buy women's competitions and (among FIFA competitions) only the men's World Cup was fairly valued.

"Sponsors and broadcasters play a crucial role in the development of women's football and I would like to see them provide actual, major backing."