Netflix has acquired exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Spain and Andorra, marking another major step in the streaming platform’s expansion into live sports.

The company disclosed the development in a blog post on Tuesday, announcing plans to broadcast all 104 matches of the tournament, which will be hosted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal.

As part of its coverage, Netflix said it would provide pre-match, half-time and post-match programmes tailored to Spanish audiences, alongside live broadcasts of the games.

The streaming service also plans to make one match available free of charge on each matchday in Spain. Matches involving the Spanish national team, as well as both semi-finals and the final, will be broadcast free-to-air.

Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, said the partnership with FIFA reflected the company’s commitment to connecting with audiences worldwide through major sporting events.

He said, “Few events unite people like the World Cup. I was in the stands this year as Spain lifted the trophy and witnessed the passion, the pride, the stories – they all become part of a nation’s culture and are remembered for generations.

“With Spain set to host in 2030, we’re thrilled to bring every match to fans across Spain and Andorra on Netflix. For Spanish football fans, welcoming the world as reigning champions on Netflix will make this a moment unlike any other.

“And our expanding partnership with FIFA, including the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 for the U.S. and Canada, reflects our continued commitment to bringing fans closer to the world’s biggest sports moments.”

FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, also welcomed the agreement, expressing optimism about the collaboration and its potential to expand access to the competition.

“We are pleased to build on our partnership with Netflix as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2030. This will be a special edition of the tournament, and we look forward to working together to bring it to fans across Spain and Andorra. Our shared ambition is to bring fans closer to the game and enable as many people as possible to share in the excitement of the competition,” Grafström said.

The agreement adds to Netflix’s growing portfolio of live sports content. The company has previously secured the broadcasting rights for the 2027 and 2031 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Netflix has also expanded into boxing, recently securing exclusive global broadcasting rights for a scheduled December 11 bout between British heavyweight boxers Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Source: punchng.com

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Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel says Cristiano Ronaldo has tainted his legacy by leaving the Portugal camp, but insists the forward should still be celebrated for what he has given football, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Ronaldo made headlines recently after leaving the national team’s camp during the last international break following a disagreement with new coach Jorge Jesus. He had accused the former Benfica coach of lying and showing him no respect after being dropped for the UEFA Nations League game against Norway last month.

The 41-year-old has since apologised, and the Portuguese Football Federation has issued a suspension.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel said no player should walk out on the national team, least of all a captain.

“The last thing you will do is to walk out of your national team or your football club as a captain, as someone everybody looks up to. It just takes away everything you stand for. I do not care what deal he had with the manager or not,” Mikel said.

The former Chelsea midfielder also defended Jesus and said Ronaldo should know that a manager is employed to win matches and can go back on an agreement over playing time.

Mikel still believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner deserves respect as his career nears its end saying, “We should be celebrating Cristiano Ronaldo now towards the end of his career. He has given so much to football. Even if you are not a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, you cannot deny what he has done for the game.”

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has downplayed suggestions that Erling Haaland could become an immediate target if Manchester City face relegation.

Speaking to BILD on Sunday, Hainer was asked whether Bayern Munich would sign the Norwegian striker if City were forced out of the Premier League because of their ongoing financial charges case.

“We have Kane, Olise, Diaz and more. We scored over 120 goals last season. So, I think we are very well equipped in attack,” Hainer said.

The Bayern chief insisted the club currently does not need to strengthen its forward line, which already features Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz.

However, he left the door slightly open for the longer term.

“If we’re talking about the future in a few years, then there will be a new situation, and we’ll see,” Hainer added.

Severe sanctions, including the possibility of relegation, remain under discussion pending any appeal.

Source: punchng.com

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