Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought the response of the Centre and Prasar Bharati on a plea requesting government intervention to ensure broadcast access to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins on June 11.
The petition, filed by lawyer Avdhesh Bairwa, urged the court to direct the Union government to secure broadcasting rights through Prasar Bharati, at least for key matches including the opening game, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final as an interim arrangement. As a final relief, the plea sought acquisition of rights for all 104 matches of the tournament.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued notice to the respondents and listed the matter for hearing on May 20.
The court also questioned whether the matter should be considered as a public interest litigation. The petitioner’s counsel argued that citizens have a legitimate right to access telecast of major global sporting events, stating that while it may not be an absolute entitlement, judicial “nudge” could ensure public access.
The petition contended that the FIFA World Cup, held once every four years, is among the most widely viewed sporting events globally and has historically been broadcast in India through commercial rights holders since 1998. It further claimed that the absence of a broadcaster this time has left Indian viewers without access, thereby infringing their right to information and freedom of expression.
“The matter is one of utmost urgency as the FIFA World Cup 2026 commences on 11.06.2026 and the Opening Match, which is itself an event of national importance under the Notification dated 09.05.2022, is scheduled on that date. That without timely judicial intervention by this Hon’ble Court, the Petitioner and millions of Indian citizens will be irreparably deprived of their fundamental rights with no adequate alternative remedy,” the petition said.
“The inaction of the Respondents has resulted into the violation of the Petitioner’s freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of the Constitution by restraining the exhibition/telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“It is important to note that by denying access to the information in question or by not taking necessary steps to broadcast the FIFA World Cup, the Respondents have directly infringed the Petitioner’s fundamental right to acquire and receive information, which is an integral part of freedom of speech and expression under the Constitution,” it added.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Why India still has no World Cup 2026 broadcaster
FIFA has been unable to secure a broadcaster for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India mainly due to a pricing deadlock and concerns over commercial viability in the Indian market.
The global football body is reported to have initially sought around $100 million for the combined media rights of the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. Indian broadcasters considered this valuation too high, leading to prolonged negotiations without a final agreement. In recent weeks, FIFA is said to have reduced its demand to about $35 million, and later reports placed the revised expectation closer to $60 million, but a deal is still pending.
According to Reuters, JioStar is currently the only Indian broadcaster in active discussions with FIFA for securing the rights. However, even these talks have not resulted in an agreement, with JioStar reportedly offering around $20 million, which was rejected by FIFA.
The deal is further complicated by scheduling challenges. The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, meaning most matches will air in India during late night or early morning hours. This is expected to significantly impact television ratings and advertising revenue, reducing the commercial appeal for broadcasters.
(With inputs from agencies)
