08/05/2026

FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2026

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High cost of World Cup broadcast deal sparks debate

Fake content on global supply crisis identified

This could encourage more pirate streaming,” he said. Meanwhile, lab technician Nazeerah Zaini, 27, said she was not a regular football fan but usually joined family members during major tournaments. “I do not really feel the hype this year. “Previously, there were World Cup songs by Shakira, as well as massive campaigns by Nike, Adidas and Pepsi. Even people who did not follow football closely still got caught up in the excitement. Nazeerah added that mamak restaurants remained one of the best places to experience the World Cup atmosphere. – BY FAIZ RUZMAN KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 464 cases of false content related to the global supply crisis were identified between March 29 and April 30, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She said 312 of the items had been successfully taken down. “In addition, 65 investigation papers were opened, with 15 cases referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers while others remain under investigation,” she said in her speech when opening the Hawana 2026 Media Forum here yesterday. Teo said the rapid spread of misinformation, amplified by artificial intelligence, posed a significant challenge to public trust, Bernama reported. She said cases of fraudulent content, including fake accounts and impersonation of public figures, had surged sharply in recent years, rising from 6,297 cases in 2023 to 63,652 in 2024 and 98,503 in 2025. “As of April 30 this year alone, 60,829 such content items have already been taken down by platforms,” she said. Teo said the development underscored the need for credibility in journalism to be consistently upheld amid the evolving digital landscape. Meanwhile, she called for a greater role for the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) and a more measured approach in handling media-related issues. She said the matter was crucial following Malaysia’s placement at 95th in the latest Reporters Without Borders index, compared with 88th previously, reflecting ongoing concerns in the media landscape. “While journalist safety has improved, declines in the media economy and legislative environment remain a concern, and this is not a position we are satisfied with.” The MMC, established in February last year, is an independent self-regulatory body aimed at upholding journalistic ethics, formulating a code of conduct and safeguarding the welfare of media practitioners.

PETALING JAYA: While industry estimates have placed the total market value for the Fifa World Cup 2026 broadcasting rights in Malaysia at nearly RM200 million, the government has moved to shield taxpayers from the full brunt of that cost. The massive price tag has reignited debate over whether the tournament is becoming a luxury event, even as sports analysts say accessibility must remain a priority for local fans. On Wednesday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil clarified that the government’s direct contribution is capped at an allocation of RM24 million to Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). The remainder of the total value is being bridged through private sponsorships and a partnership with Unifi TV. Veteran sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said the government deserved credit for stepping in after concerns emerged that Malaysians could miss out on watching the World Cup altogether. “We should thank the government for taking the initiative to ease the concerns of local football fans so they do not miss the historic World Cup, whether live or on delayed telecast. “The time has come for sports fans not to depend solely on free broadcasts, especially when the cost of major international sporting events, including television rights, o While lauding govt initiative, sports analysts say pay-to view restriction may render limited access for many fans and result in some being left out of event Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Fans posing with the World Cup trophy when it was displayed in Malaysia in January this year. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

atmosphere traditionally associated with the World Cup in Malaysia. “The World Cup is a football festival that comes only once every four years. “Families usually gather to watch together, but if access on free television is limited, many may have to watch at mamak restaurants or other public places. “Not every family will feel comfortable doing that. Many prefer watching from home, and I believe this could slightly affect the overall World Cup atmosphere in the country,” he said. Zulakbal also called on Fifa to take into account the financial realities faced by developing nations when determining broadcasting rights fees. “Fifa must think about ordinary people who cannot afford access. Football is meant for everyone. For countries with weaker economic conditions, Fifa should consider lowering the broadcast rights fee.”

continues to rise,” he told theSun. Pekan said the current arrangement still provides options for viewers and reflects an effort to strike a balance between public access and premium viewing services. “I see the government’s approach as one that still gives football fans a choice while balancing free access with subscription-based premium viewing. It is ultimately up to viewers to decide,” he said. He added that football viewing habits have evolved significantly, particularly among young and casual audiences, many of whom now rely on live score updates, goal clips, highlights and post-match tactical analyses instead of watching full matches. “For some fans, the thrill of watching a match live is no longer essential. But die-hard supporters will still spend more than two hours watching matches live or on delay to

packages may be sufficient for casual viewers, even if it reduced the excitement of watching matches live. Marketing executive Muhammad Azim Tajuddin, 28, said his passion for football began during Cristiano Ronaldo’s early years at Manchester United, before intensifying after Germany’s historic 7-1 victory over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup. However, he admitted he would not be following every game in 2026 due to work and personal commitments. “I will not be watching every match considering my work schedule and analyse off-the-ball movement and how teams secure victories,” he said. Pekan also urged RTM and Unifi TV to expand football-related programming beyond live matches to build stronger public excitement ahead of the tournament. “RTM and Unifi need to produce more engaging and easily accessible football content, including studio programmes and analysis segments. “Only then will the excitement and atmosphere of the World Cup truly be felt by football fans across the country,” he said. Under the arrangement, all 104 matches will be aired live on Unifi TV, while RTM will broadcast most matches either live or on delayed telecast via free-to-air television, MyTV and RTM Klik. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris sports governance expert Dr Zulakbal Abd Karim said limited free access could dampen the festive tactics,

Mamak eateries preferred venue for many football enthusiasts PETALING JAYA: As debate grows over the reported near-RM200 million broadcasting rights for the Fifa World Cup 2026, many football fans say they are unlikely to pay for premium subscriptions, opting instead for mamak restaurants, selected matches and online highlights to follow the tournament. only became more engaged during his university years due to easier internet access. He said he was not overly concerned if RTM did not broadcast every match live, as he already subscribed to Unifi TV, but sympathised with lower-income fans who may not have similar access. Rizqan said the reported rights fee was substantial although he acknowledged that highlights other commitments. “Even if I do watch, I would probably head to a mamak restaurant with friends over dinner. I would not spend on subscription packages just to follow all the matches,” he said.

Campaign branding associate Aizat Zainol, 28, who has followed football since Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League title-winning season in 2004 and became a regular World Cup viewer in 2010, questioned whether the huge spending on broadcasting rights was justified. “If the returns do not match the cost, then it may not be worth it. “I would rather wait for free broadcasts but realistically some fans may turn to other online platforms.

“To be honest, I am not too bothered because I can still watch through other broadcasters. “But I do pity those who do not have the same access, especially the B40 group. “I believe mamak restaurants will set up big screens and people will gather there to watch together,” he said.

While some welcomed RTM’s move to secure access to the tournament, others questioned whether the hefty cost would translate into meaningful public value, particularly if not all matches are aired live. Social media entrepreneur Muhammad Rizqan, 26, said he had followed football since childhood, but