KUALA LUMPUR (May 6): Pay-TV operator Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd (KL:ASTRO) has confirmed it will not be the primary broadcaster for the upcoming Fifa World Cup, officially ending a two-decade uninterrupted run as the tournament's home in Malaysia.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Astro said its "fair and competitive bid" for the broadcasting rights was not accepted by Fifa.

That said, Astro said it is in talks with the new right holders to "explore opportunities" for Fifa World Cup matches to also be carried on its platforms — Astro, NJOI (its free-to-air service) and Sooka, its over-the-top (OTT) streaming app.

"This would significantly extend reach and accessibility to millions more Malaysians at home, on business premises, and on mobile devices," it said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Unifi TV have been made the official broadcasters of the Fifa World Cup 2026 in Malaysia.

He said the tournament would be broadcast on various platforms, including free-to-air via MyTV as well as OTT platforms through RTM Klik and Unifi TV.

In relation to its losing bid, Astro said the landscape for premium content, particularly sports, has changed significantly, citing rising costs, piracy and advertising opportunities.

“Rising costs, driven by inflation and escalating international sports broadcasting rights, have significantly increased the financial investment required,” the company said.

“Meanwhile, rampant piracy has diminished the value of such rights to all legitimate platforms,” it added.

It noted the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were “extensively pirated” events in Malaysia.

“Additionally, match timings and limited runway left to plan for meaningful campaigns with clients had further diminished the commercial value to justify a reasonable investment for shareholders, nor a price increase for our customers,” it said.

The 2026 Fifa World Cup is being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. The opening match will take place in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 11, while the final is slated to be held in New Jersey, US, on July 19.

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