Supamas Orders PR Department to Negotiate World Cup Broadcasting Rights with FIFA Over Unfair Pricing; Project May Be Shelved
Thailand's government is negotiating with FIFA over 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights, threatening to abandon the project if the asking price remains unreasonably high. Deputy PM Supamas cited fiscal responsibility and unfavorable match ti
Deputy Prime Minister Supamas Iamprasirtsuk, overseeing the Public Relations Department, announced on May 20 at Khlong Toei Center mall that the cabinet has tasked the PR Department to negotiate the 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights with FIFA, sponsors, and broadcast regulators. FIFA's initial asking price is unreasonable and cannot be justified to the public, so the government is pushing back on pricing. The public currently wants to see live World Cup broadcasts, but the government is prioritizing fiscal responsibility and economic considerations. If FIFA's price is not fair, the project will be scrapped; only if the price drops and becomes justifiable will negotiations continue.
When asked if the government has shelved the plan, Supamas said negotiations are ongoing but must prioritize public interest and economic concerns. The current 2026 World Cup conditions differ from four years ago, with matches scheduled at 3 a.m., 5 a.m., and 9 a.m., preventing shops and restaurants from generating economic stimulus. Unlike the previous World Cup, sponsors are unwilling to support due to unfavorable broadcast times and market conditions.
Regarding whether the government would purchase rights after the tournament begins when prices drop, Supamas said this seems unlikely then, as people would likely find alternative viewing channels through online platforms. FIFA has not yet provided a timeline for a response but initially indicated prices cannot be reduced significantly. The government will reassess any price reduction to determine if it satisfies public accountability, keeping citizens' interests paramount.
