FIFA Threatens to Halt Women's World Cup Broadcasts in Europe

FIFA President Gianni Infantino indicated that "the top European countries in the sport face the risk of not broadcasting Women's World Cup matches this year if media outlets do not improve their "disappointing" offers for broadcasting rights." He confirmed during a World Trade Organization meeting in Geneva that "the bids from the five major European nations are unacceptable to FIFA and represent a slap in the face to the players and all women around the world." Infantino added, "To be clear, it is our moral and legal duty not to undervalue the Women's World Cup. Broadcasters offered amounts ranging from $1-10 million for the broadcasting rights, compared to amounts between $100-200 million for the men's World Cup broadcasting rights." The five major footballing countries are the UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France. The Women's World Cup will kick off in Australia and New Zealand on July 20.