According to Daily Mail, FIFA is reportedly set to launch its streaming platform in the build-up to the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Taking cues from the over-the-top model as done by the National Football League in the United States, the apex football body is exploring the feasibility of their own direct-to-consumer streaming service.
Starting Small and Going Big?
If we are to go by the reports in the UK media, FIFA will begin by offering content that has little-to-no commercial value, comprising of mainly sports and youth competitions. In time, after much trial and error, the service may be expanded to archived content by focusing on classic matches of various national teams in World Cup over the years.
This is definitely a big step by FIFA, who have already sold their TV rights for the next two World Cups. However, they can certainly take cues from the NFL Game Pass. It is NFL’s flagship live-streaming service where it broadcasts all the NFL games in the season, live, along with NFL related programs and shows.
Users can enjoy the show while on the go or from home as the service is available on all leading consoles and platforms, including the PS4 and Xbox.
Of course, there are ways to go for FIFA to get to that level but starting small may certainly do the trick. They can also take some inspiration from Amazon Prime, who are all set to join the cricket streaming fray in India by broadcasting all of New Zealand’s international cricket matches played at home.
UEFA has Set the Precedent
In 2019, UEFA launched its own streaming service titled UEFA.tv, where it showcases content from all of its major tournaments, including the Champions League and Europa League. Even though it is not a live streaming service (yet), fans can still access highlights and delayed games on demand from a myriad of UEFA competitions.
In fact, the European football body went the extra mile by signing a deal with Bundesliga to promote the content from the German league on its streaming platform. There is now a separate channel for Bundesliga on UEFA TV where users can access highlights, archived matches, and other special programs, pertaining to the league.
Of course, the live-streaming of big games is yet to become a reality on the platform, considering that the broadcasting rights have already been sold. Only youth games and women’s matches are likely to be broadcasted on the platform for the time being. However, it is safe to assume that UEFA will look to follow the path of Disney Hotstar in India, where the live streaming giant has a monopoly of sorts on all broadcasting all major sporting events on its platform.
Even from an online betting perspective, this move is likely to be welcomed by punters who will find it easier to bet on the go. With everything available online, it is just a matter of switching different tabs and possibly taking advantage of varying odds in live betting.
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