There is less than a month left until the FIFA World Cup begins. Football fans still do not know if the mega tournament will be broadcast at all. In this situation, the problem has increased further with Prasar Bharati’s decision. They have clearly stated that Doordarshan is not obliged to take responsibility for broadcasting the World Cup. Prasar Bharati has informed the court of this. As a result, the question arises: will the Football World Cup actually be seen in India?

There is no shortage of football fans in India. Even though the country lags in rankings, there are plenty of viewers who want to watch matches of Brazil, Argentina, France, and Spain. FIFA had started the process of selling broadcasting rights in India for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. Initially, the price for these rights was set at about 100 million US dollars, which is approximately 930 crore Indian rupees. But no company showed interest in broadcasting the matches. Forced by this, FIFA reduced the broadcasting rights to 35 million dollars. However, the situation did not change.

On Wednesday, they informed the Delhi High Court that Prasar Bharati is not obligated to broadcast the FIFA World Cup. However, it was not clearly stated that the World Cup will not be broadcast on Doordarshan. In the end, where and how Indians will watch the World Cup remains unknown.

In this situation, several football fans approached the court. Their plea stated that the FIFA World Cup has already been declared a tournament of national importance. If this tournament is not broadcast on channels like Doordarshan, it would violate certain parts of the constitution. Since Prasar Bharati has all the necessary infrastructure for broadcasting the World Cup, the applicants demanded that the World Cup should be broadcast for the country’s football fans.

Responding to that plea, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the central government and Prasar Bharati. The high court ordered that arrangements must be made to broadcast the Football World Cup on Doordarshan and DD Sports. But Prasar Bharati is not complying with that order. On Wednesday, they informed the Delhi High Court that Prasar Bharati is not obligated to broadcast the FIFA World Cup. However, it was not clearly stated that the World Cup will not be broadcast on Doordarshan. In the end, where and how Indians will watch the World Cup remains unknown.

FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is the premier international football (soccer) tournament, first held in 1930 in Uruguay. Organized by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), it takes place every four years, with only a pause during World War II. The event has grown into the world’s most widely viewed sporting spectacle, celebrating athletic excellence and global unity.

Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America, known for its vibrant culture, diverse ecosystems, and rich history. Colonized by Portugal in 1500, it became a Portuguese colony until gaining independence in 1822, later transitioning from an empire to a republic. Today, Brazil is famous for landmarks like the Amazon Rainforest, the Christ the Redeemer statue, and its annual Carnival festival.

Argentina

Argentina is a South American country known for its rich cultural heritage, blending indigenous, European, and immigrant influences, with tango music and dance originating in its capital, Buenos Aires. Its history includes Spanish colonization starting in the 16th century, followed by a struggle for independence in 1816, and periods of economic growth, political turmoil, and military rule in the 20th century. Today, Argentina is famous for landmarks like the Andes mountains, Iguazú Falls, and the vibrant city of Buenos Aires.

France

France is a country in Western Europe with a rich history dating back to ancient Gaul and the Roman Empire. It became a major European power under the monarchy, experienced the transformative French Revolution in the late 18th century, and later established a global colonial empire. Today, France is known for its cultural landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, world-renowned cuisine, and its role as a founding member of the European Union.

Spain

Spain is a country in southwestern Europe known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant traditions. Its history includes periods of Roman rule, Islamic influence during the Al-Andalus era, and the unification of kingdoms that led to the Spanish Empire, which spread its language and culture across the globe. Today, Spain is famous for landmarks like the Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, and its lively festivals such as La Tomatina and Flamenco dancing.

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court is the principal civil court of original jurisdiction and the highest court of appeal in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India. Established on October 31, 1966, it was created after the Delhi Judicial Commissioner’s Court was abolished, following the reorganization of the state. The court’s iconic building, inaugurated in 1972, stands as a symbol of justice in the heart of the city, handling a vast number of cases ranging from civil disputes to constitutional matters.

Doordarshan

Doordarshan is India’s state-owned public service broadcaster, founded in 1959 as a small experimental television service in Delhi. It expanded significantly in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming the primary source of television entertainment and information for millions of Indians before the advent of private and satellite channels. Today, it remains a key part of India’s media landscape, known for its educational and cultural programming.

DD Sports

DD Sports is a popular sports goods retail chain in India, known for offering a wide range of sporting equipment, apparel, and footwear. Established in the 1990s, it has grown into a prominent brand with numerous stores across major cities, catering to both amateur and professional athletes. The chain has played a key role in promoting sports culture in India by making quality sports products more accessible to the public.