National broadcaster Vietnam Television (VTV) on Wednesday announced that it had successfully obtained the rights to broadcast 2022 FIFA World Cup games in Vietnam for an undisclosed cost.

“After negotiations, VTV is pleased to announce that it officially owns the media rights [in Vietnam] for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making it the exclusive broadcaster of the event in Vietnam’s territory, as well as on VTV digital platforms,” the broadcaster said on its website.

Under the deal, VTV acquired the exclusive rights to televise the grand event via terrestrial, cable, satellite, and Internet Protocol Television modes, as well as non-exclusive rights to its radio broadcasts.

It also owns exclusive streaming rights on mobile devices and the Internet, including over-the-top (OTT) media services.

As such, all 64 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on VTV2, VTV3, VTV5, VTV Can Tho, and the VTV Go app, VTV said.

Entities which wish to share 2022 FIFA World Cup media copyrights with VTV must obtain an agreement with the broadcaster and written approval from FIFA, the TV station said.

The cost of the deal is still undisclosed, but various sources have previously said the 2022 World Cup copyright was on sale in Vietnam for US$15 million.

At one point, the high price completely stalled negotiations between Vietnamese television stations and Infront Sports & Media, FIFA’s exclusive sales representative for the distribution of 2022 FIFA World Cup broadcast rights in Asia.

After garnering support from a number of banks and enterprises, VTV eventually found itself in a position to ink the deal.

One unnamed bank provided VND100 billion ($4 million) for VTV to help them push the deal through.  

The prices paid by VTV for World Cup media copyright have sharply increased over the past three tournaments, from $2.7 million in 2010 to $7 million in 2014 and $12 million in 2018, according to VnExpress. 

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 20 to December 18 and will see the participation of 32 teams, with France being the defending champions.

This is the first time that a World Cup edition has been hosted by a Middle East country.

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