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Apple and FIFA are reported to be close to signing a deal for a brand-new soccer tournament that will take place next summer. The tournament will apparently be exclusive to Apple TV+ subscribers, and it’s unclear if any matches will be aired free-to-view.
According to the New York Times, the deal could be announced within the next week or so. The event will be held in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, and will feature some of the world’s best club sides, including around 12 from Europe.
The NYT says FIFA was hoping the tournament “would create huge demand from broadcasters and commercial partners. But a combination of poor planning and delays prompted broadcasters to balk at the figures FIFA had sought.”
Sponsors have reportedly been hesitant to spend the $150 million FIFA wants to charge for sponsorship packages, and the total value of the deal might be less than a quarter of the $4 billion FIFA had initially hoped for, the report claims.
A long list of concerns
Numerous concerns have apparently been raised about the tournament. For one thing, it doesn’t even have a name or a definite list of host cities yet, despite being only a year away from launching. For another, it will require large stadiums to be leased for the duration of the event; however FIFA has not revealed any major sponsorship partners who might be able to cover the costs.
It’s unclear exactly who this tournament is meant to benefit. Club teams already have a congested annual schedule, with high-profile managers and players repeatedly complaining that the number of games they’re required to play is increasing the risk of injuries. Players unions have also criticized FIFA for not consulting them during the tournament planning.
If the tournament does end up as an Apple TV+ exclusive, it means people will have to fork out to watch the matches in every single case, with no options available free of charge or on any of the other best streaming services. That’s a move that's sure to rankle many viewers, and some senior executives at FIFA have also raised concerns about that prospect, the Times reports.
With just over a year to go before the event is due to kick off, it looks like there are still huge gaps in the planning of the tournament, with so much still up in the air. If you were thinking of subscribing to Apple TV+ to catch every game, you might want to hold off until more details are announced.