Ofcom has received requests from the BBC and ITV for consent to broadcast exclusive live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2014. This takes place in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014, and comprises a total of 64 matches.
This is a Group A Listed Event under the Broadcasting Act 1996. The rules which apply are set out in the Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events.
ITV and the BBC will be sharing coverage of the World Cup. All of the matches to be broadcast by the BBC will be shown on BBC One, with the exception of three matches in the early stages of the tournament (the group stages) which clash with other matches and which will therefore be shown on BBC Three or the interactive streams of BBC One. All the matches to be broadcast by ITV will be shown on its main PSB channel (ITV1), with the exception of five ‘clashing’ matches which will be shown on one of ITV’s free to air digital channels.
In accordance with section 101 of the Broadcasting Act 1996, Ofcom’s consent is needed for exclusive live coverage of these events. Any comments that interested parties would like to make should be sent to Ofcom at the address below, by e-mail or in writing. Unless confidentiality is requested, all such comments will be available to view on Ofcom's website after the consultation has closed.
Jacopo Genovese
Ofcom
Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA (email: Jacopo.Genovese@ofcom.org.uk).