Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Minister O J Janeesh on Monday said the government was in talks with rights holders to ensure that non-commercial public screenings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be held without a licence fee.
Replying to a submission by MLA P A Mohammed Riyas in the Assembly, the minister said concerns had been raised that local clubs, residents' associations and community organisations would be required to pay a hefty licence fee to screen World Cup matches publicly.
The state sports and youth affairs minister said the broadcast and live-streaming rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in India were owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, while digital streaming rights were with its sister platform, ZEE5.
He added that screening rights in Kerala had been acquired by Eagles FC Kerala.
"The agreement between the rights holders does not involve the state government. However, the government wants to ensure that football fans are not prevented from organising public screenings," he said.
The minister said the government viewed commercial screenings conducted by shopping malls and business establishments differently from screenings organised by local clubs and community groups that do not charge an entry fee.
As soon as the matter came to the government's attention, the sports department secretary was directed to hold discussions with the stakeholders concerned, he said.
"The talks have been positive, and the response from the rights holders has been encouraging. A decision is expected soon. Football fans need not be disappointed," he added.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the government was taking a positive approach to the issue and that steps would be taken at the earliest to facilitate public screenings, subject to the required permissions.
Raising the issue earlier, Riyas alleged that local clubs, football fan groups and community organisations, particularly in villages, were being asked to obtain licences and pay substantial fees to screen World Cup matches.
He described it as a "corporate strategy" that would burden ordinary football lovers and urged the government to secure an exemption for non-commercial screenings organised by local community groups.
Kerala is widely regarded as one of India's football hubs, with large-scale public screenings of FIFA World Cup matches drawing thousands of fans across the state during every edition of the tournament.
