KUALA LUMPUR: Watching the coming FIFA World Cup matches for free will truly be a dream come true for millions of football fans in Malaysia.
Reacting to the government’s announcement that the games will be broadcast free-to-air through RTM and Unifi TV, fans said there could not have been a better time for it than now with the rising costs of living.
In the past, live broadcast of World Cup matches were restricted to pay TV subscribers.
Trader Nurazhar Mohamad Zain, 37, a die-hard Argentina fan, was among those “rejuvenated” by the announcement.
“I do not subscribe to pay TV operators, so to be able to watch all the matches for free is just unbelievable.
“I appreciate the government’s initiative because free broadcasts can benefit many parties, especially original jersey sellers, content creators and others throughout the World Cup season,” he said when met yesterday.
He recalled watching the dramatic World Cup 2022 final between Argentina and France at his mother-in-law’s home, with his team winning 4-2 on penalties after extra time.
The avid jersey collector, who survived stage five Covid-19 in 2020, said he was forced to sell hundreds of his prized jerseys at half price during the pandemic to survive financially.
“It was painful, but I have no regrets. Now, I do not just collect jerseys but also the stories behind them.
“For example, Argentina’s 2022 final jersey had three stars to symbolise their three World Cup triumphs,” he added.
Social media coordinator Mohd Ezreen Shobri, 29, said fans would surely be looking forward to tuning in to catch the matches for free.
“We had to go to mamak restaurants or knock on the doors of those with pay TV subscriptions to watch World Cup football.
“With the coming matches to be played at odd hours, it will be great to be able to watch them at home.
“The options now favour viewers like me because we can watch our favourite teams anywhere without restrictions,” said the Portugal fan.
For sports equipment store worker Siti Nurfatihah Wan Amran, 20, the free coverage offers an opportunity to deepen her football knowledge.
“I only know a few players, such as Ronaldo, so I am excited because this will make it easier for me to engage with customers.
“During the World Cup, customer traffic will increase significantly, especially during weekends when fans come looking for promotional prices,” she said.
On Wednesday, Communica-tions Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that the Fifa World Cup 2026 would be broadcast free-to-air through RTM and Unifi TV.
He said the decision was made through collaboration with the private sector to ensure high-quality broadcasts and wider nationwide access.
The tournament will be available on several platforms, including free-to-air television via MyTV as well as OTT platforms through RTM Klik and Unifi TV.
Fahmi said all 104 matches would be broadcast live on Unifi TV, while RTM would air the majority of matches either live or delayed.
World Cup 2026, which starts on June 11, will be the biggest and most exciting edition of the tournament to date with 48 countries competing.
It will also be the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations, spanning 11 cities in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
Source: fans-welcome-free-broadcast
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