MTV Channel secures FIFA World Cup broadcast rights

MTV Channel Ltd, the network that owns and operates Sirasa TV, Shakthi TV, TV-1, News 1st and Stein Studios, has been appointed as the Official Television Rights Holders in Sri Lanka for the FIFA World Cup, which is expected to be the most-watched sporting event in world history.

The 64 matches in 29 days between 32 nations will air primarily LIVE on TV-1, the network’s countrywide sports and infotaiment channel, whilst also being selectively simulcast and re-aired on Shakthi TV and Sirasa TV. 

The dazzling opening ceremony is scheduled to commence at 8:00 p.m. Sri Lanka time on Sunday, 20 November, followed immediately by the first match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador at 9:30 p.m. 

Brazil are the favourites to win the cup, followed by defending champions France, Argentina, England, Spain and Germany. 

This is expected to be the final World Cup for several of the global stars of football including Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), and Luis Suarez (Uruguay). The tournament has two stages ─ the group stage where teams compete within eight groups of four teams each from which the top two progress to the round of 16 which is a knockout phase. In the group stage, each team plays three matches, with 3 points for a win and one point for a draw.

There will be three matches- four matches per day through 2 December. The knockout stage will commence with the round of 16 from 3 to 7 December. The quarter-finals will be from 9 to 11 December; the semifinals on 14 and 15 December; third place playoff on 17 December; and the final on 18 December.

The 32 nations earned the right to compete through qualifying tournaments held within the six FIFA continental federations. Thirteen teams are from Europe, five from Africa, five from Asia-Oceania, five from North and Central America and Caribbean, and three from South America. The host receives an automatic berth.

This will be the 22nd World Cup, which was first held in 1930. It will also be the last World Cup with 32 teams, with the next World Cup in 2026 expanding to 48 teams.

The trophy has been won by eight nations ─ Brazil five times; four times each by Germany and Italy; twice each by Argentina, France, and Uruguay; and once each by England and Spain. 

The champion team will receive $ 42 million, with the runners-up getting $ 30 million. 

Other prize monies are $ 27 million for third place; $ 25 million for 4th place; $ 17 million for each team that enters the quarter-finals; $ 13 million for each of those that enter the round of 16; and $ 9 million for those in the 1st round. 

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is made of 18-carat gold, is 36 cm tall and weighs 6.175 kg. The base is made of semi-precious Malachite. The trophy is only temporarily given to the champion team before it is returned to FIFA.