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| The blogger with Ian Wright at Tiong Bahru Market in 2015 |
I am no longer looking forward to the World Cup — a feeling that began after 2002.
Gone are the days when the competition was broadcast on free-to-air channels, serving as a focal point around the globe that everyone looked forward to every four years.
FROM SBC TO SBS
Back then, our local broadcasters would host the coverage from their own studio setup at Caldecott Hill during those SBC days before the role was taken over by Australia's SBS in 1994, which introduced Singaporean households to the legendary duo of Les Murray and Johnny Warren for the very first time.
Since then, watching the World Cup has become a costly affair. Football fans have to dig deep into their pockets to pay for the subscriptions just to witness the mesmerising moments of icons such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
I still remember paying the subscription for the first (and last) time so that my late father could watch the games during 2002 edition which was jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea.
"SCANDALOUS": IAN WRIGHT
So when recently former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright criticised the "scandalous" costs that ordinary fans need to pay to watch the World Cup, it struck a chord with me.
Speaking to The Independent, a British online publication, the Gunners legend blasted:“The tickets. The travel, everything is extortionate, it's a rich man's game. It's scandalous."
So, if given a choice: -
• Would you pay whatever it cost to watch the World Cup on television?
• Take a sabbatical from the game during the tournament?
I know jolly well what is my best option.
Last but not least, is the upcoming tournament being organised by FIFA?
True. The World Cup is not as accessible as before, even on the TV. Lately I found a way to watch the Final match at least. With 5000 points on your McDonald's app, you can redeem a ticket to watch the final game at one of their signature outlet, a private event organised by McD.
ReplyDeleteThere was a time when everyone was looking forward once every four years for the World Cup.
ReplyDeleteIt was a time when the daily topic for that period was when people would discuss the players, the goals, etc. they saw on TV.
Nowadays during this period before the World Cup, people would ask "Have you subscribed to the (World Cup) package?", etc.
I think what I will do Is , watch the game at the Community Centre nearby, only for the games involved my Favourite Team, Good old Germany 🇩🇪 😀!
ReplyDeleteI guess the game lost its soul a long time ago 😉
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the commercial success of the PL has shown FIFA that there are countless of opportunities to milk the fans and they are still willing to pay for it.
There was a time where kits are not seasonal, it was once every two years. English Football was available on free-to-air tv too.
Having said that broadcasting money has enriched clubs and spread the popularity of teams, giving them options to dominate continental football. Though things are unsustainable, it is proven to work on paper if a club does well.
Going back to the question proper, no I am not paying to watch the 2026 World Cup because it is expensive, and I won’t be able to watch every match Live (what’s new ?).