- Commercial network Mediaset exclusively aired 2018 World Cup in Italy
- Rai’s deal covers multi-platform rights to all 64 tournament matches
Italian public service broadcaster Rai has been awarded exclusive, multi-platform broadcast rights for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.
Rai will air all 64 tournament matches, plus offer extensive support programming, including highlights and magazine programming. At least 28 matches, including the opening match, the final and both semi-finals, will be broadcast on the flagship Rai 1 channel.
Reports in Italy had suggested that digital giant Amazon had been set to land a portion of the rights to the international soccer tournament, but Fifa, the game’s global governing body, has only confirmed a deal with Rai. The deal sees the public service broadcaster reclaim World Cup rights after commercial network Mediaset exclusively aired the 2018 tournament.
The 2022 World Cup will be the first held during the traditional European soccer season – running from 21st November to 18th December – with match kick-off times in Italy being at 11am, 2pm, 5pm and 8pm.
Fifa’s director of media rights and content services, Jean-Christophe Petit, said, “After a very competitive tender process, we are pleased to have concluded a deal with a strong media partner in Italy for the Fifa World Cup 2022. We look forward to working with Rai to make this unique Fifa World Cup a great success and create an unforgettable experience for all Italian fans.”
Rai has been awarded TV rights for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar
