Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) announced that it has been appointed by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) as Hong Kong’s official broadcaster of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil on a free television platform. TVB will broadcast live 22 FIFA World Cup matches, including six core matches, and daily highlights on free digital terrestrial television channels as well as analogue network between 12 June and 13 July 2014. The TV coverage will begin this year with the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil between 15 and 30 June; and FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey between 21 June and 13 July.

Announcing the appointment today, TVB Group General Manager, Mark Lee said that TVB has been granted exclusive television rights (free and pay); radio rights; internet and mobile transmission rights for the FIFA World Cup games in Brazil next year.

“We will deploy the latest internet and mobile transmission technologies to enable our viewers to enjoy the games anytime, anywhere and on demand. Our aim is to ensure widest coverage and that as many people as possible be able to watch this once-every-four-year event on a variety of broadcast platforms. The broadcast arrangements have struck a balance between the best interest of the viewing public and commercial considerations,” said Lee.

FIFA TV Director Niclas Ericson praised the new deal: “FIFA is delighted to be joining up with TVB in the crucial and vibrant television market of Hong Kong. FIFA looks forward to an excellent working relationship with TVB as we take all the excitement, drama and passion of the 2014 FIFA World Cup to households across the world.”