Source: REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
[Saba Sports News] According to media reports, negotiations between FIFA and Apple regarding the broadcast rights of the Club World Cup have stalled. The new version of the 32-team Club World Cup will be played in the United States next summer, and FIFA negotiated with Apple earlier this year for global television rights to help pay bonuses to participating teams. However, talks have stalled, and FIFA is now considering selling the rights to regional broadcasters, according to people familiar with the matter. Reports suggest the deal between FIFA and Apple could be worth about $1 billion, a quarter of FIFA’s original target value. Sources also revealed that FIFA has since contacted some clubs to assess whether they are willing to accept lower-than-expected prize money to participate. In response, a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement: “FIFA is confident in the commercial and sporting success of the new competition and is engaging in regular and productive dialogue with all parties, including potential venues, media, and commercial partners, and of course, the clubs themselves.”