Football version of Netflix and Amazon Prime: FIFA takes on streaming companies with own football platform

Football version of Netflix and Amazon Prime: FIFA takes on streaming companies with own football platform

The service is free and will largely feature documentaries and some live games at the launch but it could eventually be a way for FIFA to broadcast World Cup matches itself at a cost.

Associated PressUpdated: Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 10:38 AM IST
article-image
FIFA | Photo for representation

FIFA is getting into the streaming platform business with a football version of Netflix and Amazon Prime.

The service is free and will largely feature documentaries and some live games at the launch but it could eventually be a way for FIFA to broadcast World Cup matches itself at a cost.

While increasingly positioning itself as a rival to existing media companies, FIFA+ will also be used by the governing body to promote its sponsors.

"There is no plan to charge a subscription fee for the service, that doesn't mean to say that we may not evolve over time should there be a value proposition that allows us to charge subscription if we step into premium rights or adopt other kind of models," FIFA director of strategy Charlotte Burr said.

"But there will always be a free experience on FIFA+."

Geo-blocking can be used to limit matches broadcast on FIFA+ to specific territories. FIFA was less clear if the platform will be an accessible means of watching World Cup qualifiers that are often not available to view widely as each federation is able to sell the rights and some confederations bundle them together.

FIFA said the live matches would be from competitions previously lacking coverage, initially with 1,400 games streamed each month.

The launch could see FIFA shift content off YouTube that it has previously used to broadcast classic matches and sports politics events. The recent FIFA Congress in Qatar was not streamed on the long-standing video sharing website unlike previously.

FIFA chief commercial officer Kay Madati said "we're a bit more strategic about what goes where and when."

RECENT STORIES

IND vs WI, 1st Test, Day 1: KL Rahul's Unbeaten 53 Puts Team India Firmly Ahead After Mohammed Siraj...

IND vs WI, 1st Test, Day 1: KL Rahul's Unbeaten 53 Puts Team India Firmly Ahead After Mohammed Siraj...

'Same To Same Men's Cricket Team': Pakistan Trolled After Insipid Batting Performance Against...

'Same To Same Men's Cricket Team': Pakistan Trolled After Insipid Batting Performance Against...

IND Vs WI, 1st Test, Day 1: KL Rahul Loses Cool After Sai Sudharsan's Blunder Moment Causes Terrible...

IND Vs WI, 1st Test, Day 1: KL Rahul Loses Cool After Sai Sudharsan's Blunder Moment Causes Terrible...

'Kisi Ko Interest Hee Nahin Hai': Spectator's Hilarious Assessment Goes Viral Amid Low Turnout In...

'Kisi Ko Interest Hee Nahin Hai': Spectator's Hilarious Assessment Goes Viral Amid Low Turnout In...

'Even If You Get Out For 15 Ducks…': Abhishek Sharma Recalls Suryakumar Yadav's Powerful Words...

'Even If You Get Out For 15 Ducks…': Abhishek Sharma Recalls Suryakumar Yadav's Powerful Words...