World Cup Deal: The underlying issue

Hey all,
  So finally, after months of negotiating, Singapore has secured the rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup, after the stubborn FIFA had finally decreased their asking price. The thought of Singapore being World-Cup free was simply unbelievable, but in truth it was a very possible situation. Now, Singaporeans are celebrating that we are going to have the World Cup being broadcast in Singapore. Question is, why are we celebrating such a seemingly trivial thing, as each edition of the World Cup has been broadcasted in Singapore?

  Look no further than FIFA. Basically, they have simply lost their way. As though refusing to implement video replays was not enough, they tried to charge us, a country of a population of four million, the same amount as comparatively much bigger countries like our neighbours, Malaysia. The fact that despite Singtel and Starhub attempted to explain to them the issue that the World Cup deal, in this case, would either generate a huge loss for them or a huge hole in viewer's pocket, FIFA still remained firm on their stance that we should pay that fixed amount really emphasises how they have lost their way. FIFA is supposed to be in charge of promoting football, the beautiful game. By pricing us Singaporeans out of watching the FIFA World Cup, how can that be considered promoting football? Their greediness has simply gotten the better of them. In this world where people pay huge sums of money to broadcast football competition like the EPL, FIFA wants to follow suit and gain as much as possible from the most popular sporting event globally. Another example how money has overwhelmed some? Certainly.

  So, had FIFA not finally decreased their asking price, should we Singaporeans have accepted their stance and simply paid up? Certainly not. By doing so, we have released a statement that FIFA have won, and we have all but surrendered to their might. FIFA will no doubt be encouraged to continue their money-minded actions, thinking that they will always be the victors. Certainly, we, and other countries, should not be held ransom by FIFA.

  So now, what is the result of this delay in obtaining the rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup? Well, firstly, there is less time to find sponsors. Some sponsors have reportedly been put off by the fact that Singtel and Starhub have been unable to confirm whether they would be broadcasting the FIFA World Cup, and they have decided to make do with the loss of this advertisement opportunity by pulling out. And what does this result in? Once again, it either results in Singtel and Starhub losing money, or we having to fork out more money to enjoy the World Cup from the comforts of our home.

   Looking forward now, it is hard to imagine what will be the situation at the next World Cup in 2014. FIFA increasing the price for broadcasting rights? Almost a certainty. We missing the 2014 FIFA World Cup? A distinct possibility. FIFA being at fault? A forgone conclusion. There is no doubt where the finger-pointing for this mess should be directed to: None other than FIFA, the footballing body.