Singapore broadcasters end Fifa World Cup broadcast rights tussle and join together
Football fans in Singapore will have the opportunity to catch all 64 games of the Fifa World Cup 2018 after broadcasters Singtel, Starhub and Mediacorp signed a deal to broadcast the competition together.
The three broadcasters will offer complete coverage at the à la carte price of S$94.16 until 22 May and S$112.35 thereafter.
The deal has been heralded as an historic one, as this is the first time all three broadcasters are broadcasting the competition together, having previously fought tooth and nail for broadcast rights, which resulted in customers having to pay a premium to the winning company, just to watch the competition.
“Having brought the Fifa World Cup to viewers since 2010, we know how important the tournament is to Singaporeans. We are pleased this year to work with our broadcast partners to give all Singaporeans front row seats to the Cup,” said Yuen Kuan Moon, chief executive officer of Consumer Singapore at Singtel.
“Football is for everyone and we are excited to bring the drama and suspense of all 64 games to viewers via Singtel TV, Singtel TV Go and our Cast app.”
The three broadcasters will offer complete World Cup coverage at the à la carte price of S$94.16 until 22 May and S$112.35 thereafter, unchanged from the rates four years ago.
Tham Loke Kheng, the CEO of Mediacorp, added: “We are truly excited about bringing all the action and stories of the Fifa World Cup to Singapore audiences and we are making all 64 matches available on Toggle through subscription and broadcasting nine key matches free on okto in our extensive coverage.”
“We are also producing special programmes for Singtel, Starhub and Mediacorp that capture the highlights and deliver insights and commentary about the games on football's greatest stage."
Tan Tong Hai, the outgoing CEO of StarHub pointed out that the decision came about as football unites people and the World Cup turns casual onlookers into 'diehard superfans overnight'.
“With matchday one quickly approaching, we are happy to put public interest first and take to the field together with Singtel and Mediacorp to enable all of Singapore to enjoy the beautiful game," added Tan.