Fatma Samoura, the Secretary-General for FIFA has requested television broadcasters in major European countries to present improved offers to avoid a TV blackout of the Women's World Cup which is to be held later this year.
"Discussions are ongoing, but I cannot see a country like France, which staged this same World Cup four years ago, not broadcasting it," Samoura said to a global news agency.
The Women's World Cup will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20 with 32 teams participating in it.
Fatma’s advice for TV broadcasters comes after FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke about a possible blackout of the FIFA Women’s world cup in major European nations 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 allegedly referring to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Speaking in reference to France, Fatma further added, "The offer we have received did not meet FIFA's expectations, as the president clearly said.”
"We have a good product, the very best of women's sport," Samoura also added.
She further stated that although everyone talks about equality, it is time to transform words into actions.
FIFA president has stated that TV broadcasters have offered only $1 million to $10 million to telecast the Women's World Cup. On the contrary, the men’s world cup is broadcasted at $100-200 million.
So far broadcast deals have been finalized with 155 countries.
It is critical for FIFA to finalize these deals as the global football federation intends 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."
