Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 22 (ANI): Kerala Sports Minister O. J. Janeesh announced on Monday that the public can watch FIFA World Cup football matches free of cost through non-commercial public screenings. The decision follows concerns after broadcast rights in India were awarded to Zee Entertainment, and its streaming platform Zee5 partnered with Kerala-based private football club Eagles FC Kerala for public streaming rights in the state, leading to fears that licences would be required for all public screenings.
Government Intervention and Agreement
After urgent intervention by the state government, discussions with Eagles FC Kerala resulted in free screening permission for non-profit organisers. The exemption applies to screenings conducted without charging an entry fee by football fans' groups, clubs, and residents' associations. Commercial establishments and shopping malls conducting screenings for financial gain are not covered.
Under the earlier arrangement, organisers were required to pay FIFA licence fees ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh. The government stated it views commercial screenings differently from free screenings organised by enthusiasts. The state's position is that football lovers should be able to enjoy matches without financial burden.
Registration Process
Those conducting or planning public screenings can register free of charge at EaglesFCKerala.com and obtain permission to screen matches. The licence is approved automatically. The minister thanked Eagles FC Kerala, Zee Channel officials, and FIFA representatives for supporting football fans. Sports Department Special Secretary N Prashanth and Eagles FC Kerala Chairman Shafi Methar attended the press conference.
