Malaysia’s World Cup 2026 broadcast rights debate grows as costs near RM200 million, raising concerns over public access and viewing.
PETALING JAYA: While industry estimates have placed the total market value for the Fifa World Cup 2026 broadcasting rights in Malaysia at nearly RM200 million, the government has moved to shield taxpayers from the full brunt of that cost.
The massive price tag has reignited debate over whether the tournament is becoming a luxury event, even as sports analysts say accessibility must remain a priority for local fans.
On Wednesday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil clarified that the government’s direct contribution is capped at an allocation of RM24 million to Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
The remainder of the total value is being bridged through private sponsorships and a partnership with Unifi TV.
Veteran sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said the government deserved credit for stepping in after concerns emerged that Malaysians could miss out on watching the World Cup altogether.
“We should thank the government for taking the initiative to ease the concerns of local football fans so they do not miss the historic World Cup, whether live or on delayed telecast.
“The time has come for sports fans not to depend solely on free broadcasts, especially when the cost of major international sporting events, including television rights, continues to rise,” he told theSun.
Pekan said the current arrangement still provides options for viewers and reflects an effort to strike a balance between public access and premium viewing services.
“I see the government’s approach as one that still gives football fans a choice while balancing free access with subscription-based premium viewing. It is ultimately up to viewers to decide,” he said.
He added that football viewing habits have evolved significantly, particularly among young and casual audiences, many of whom now rely on live score updates, goal clips, highlights and post-match tactical analyses instead of watching full matches.
“For some fans, the thrill of watching a match live is no longer essential. But die-hard supporters will still spend more than two hours watching matches live or on delay to analyse tactics, off-the-ball movement and how teams secure victories,” he said.
Pekan also urged RTM and Unifi TV to expand football-related programming beyond live matches to build stronger public excitement ahead of the tournament.
“RTM and Unifi need to produce more engaging and easily accessible football content, including studio programmes and analysis segments.
“Only then will the excitement and atmosphere of the World Cup truly be felt by football fans across the country,” he said.
Under the arrangement, all 104 matches will be aired live on Unifi TV, while RTM will broadcast most matches either live or on delayed telecast via free-to-air television, MyTV and RTM Klik.
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris sports governance expert Dr Zulakbal Abd Karim said limited free access could dampen the festive atmosphere traditionally associated with the World Cup in Malaysia.
“The World Cup is a football festival that comes only once every four years.
“Families usually gather to watch together, but if access on free television is limited, many may have to watch at mamak restaurants or other public places.
“Not every family will feel comfortable doing that. Many prefer watching from home, and I believe this could slightly affect the overall World Cup atmosphere in the country,” he said.
Zulakbal also called on Fifa to take into account the financial realities faced by developing nations when determining broadcasting rights fees.
“Fifa must think about ordinary people who cannot afford access. Football is meant for everyone. For countries with weaker economic conditions, Fifa should consider lowering the broadcast rights fee.”
