FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcaster Zee to donate 15% of football-related subscription revenue to local community

FIFA World Cup 2026. Image via: Getty Images New Delhi: With India’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup once again dominating social media timelines, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. – the broadcaster of the tournament in India – has pledged to contribute 15 percent of the revenue it receives from subscriptions to the upliftment of football in the country.Entering into an eight-year partnership with FIFA until 2034, Zee said it “enables and empowers every Zee 5 subscriber watching the sport of football to contribute to the identification, training and upliftment of young talent from all corners of the country”. As part of this initiative, Zee plans to collaborate with various organisations, including the All India Football Federation (AIFF), to develop the sport at the local level.“‘Z’ will work with several associations including AIFF and others at the city, district, state and national levels. (There will be) Youth training initiatives and formation of football leagues. It will be based on partial revenue generated from football,” a company spokesperson told TimesofIndia.com.The spokesperson explained that the process begins with immediate effect. They also clarified that subscribers don’t have to pay more than what they already are.Zee faced a lot of criticism over its subscription plans and feature changes hours before the tournament started on June 11.Under the 3-month plan, users coughed up Rs 799 for FIFA World Cup with limited usage on 3 devices as the first user. On the eve of the tournament, it was launched on one device. The 12-month plan costs Rs 1,699 and has a device limit of two simultaneous screens.In its opening weekend (June 11-14), Zee recorded 100 million viewers across its digital, linear and social platforms. The Zee5 app, the company’s OTT platform, gained 6 million viewers during that time.Zee is reported to have paid FIFA between Rs 250 crore and Rs 300 crore for this eight-year deal, which covers the 2026 and 2030 Men’s World Cups and the 2027 Women’s World Cup.