RTM has covered the broadcasting rights cost with Maxis and AirAsia’s sponsorship

By P PREM KUMAR / Pic By MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

Maxis Bhd and AirAsia Group Bhd have committed a combined RM30 million to cover the government’s cost in securing broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Maxis will be sponsoring RM18 million while low-cost carrier AirAsia will sponsor the remaining RM12 million to cover the cost to purchase rights to broadcast the matches on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said more corporate sponsors are coming forward to further contribute to RTM.

“We have covered the broadcasting rights cost with Maxis and AirAsia, but this is the rights purchase alone…there are other costs involved.

“I am glad that more companies have expressed their intention to contribute so that we will have the total cost covered by sponsors,” he said in a press conference yesterday.

Gobind said RTM will allocate approximately 400 hours to broadcast 41 matches from the total 64 matches in the tournament.

Some 28 matches will be broadcast live, while 13 matches will be delayed telecast. The coverage will begin on June 14, with the first match to be aired between host Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Gobind said the World Cup, held once in every four years is not a mere sport competition as it is known to unite Malaysians.

“The bonding will start at home, and that is why we want all Malaysians to get access to World Cup matches,” he added.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be the 21st edition of the tournament and is slated to take place in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018. Russia won the hosting rights in December 2010.