Hong Kong – PCCW announces that Now TV and ViuTV will exclusively broadcast the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia in Hong Kong. The FIFA World Cup is the biggest single-event sporting competition and the most widely viewed sporting event in the world. It is held every four years and FIFA has hosted 20 tournaments to date.

Russia is the host country of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The opening match will be played on June 14, 2018, followed by group matches, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, the 3rd place match, and the final on July 15. Now TV will be exclusively broadcasting all 64 matches live, while ViuTV will broadcast 19 selected matches live, including the opening match, the two semi-finals and the final. Now TV will live broadcast the draw ceremony for the final stages to be held in Moscow on December 1 at 10:55 p.m. (HK time) via Now Sports 2 (Ch 632), while ViuTV will live broadcast the ceremony on ViuTVsix (Ch 96) at 11 p.m. (HK time).

Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of PCCW Media Group, said, “PCCW Media is pleased to bring the exclusive Hong Kong broadcast rights of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia to viewers in Hong Kong. With our extensive experience in producing and broadcasting large-scale international and local sporting events, including LaLiga, Premier League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA EURO 2016, Now TV aims to offer viewers superb World Cup enjoyment, whether on a live or on-demand basis, on our TV, Internet and mobile platforms. And with ViuTV’s local production strength and creativity, we aim to add more excitement and entertainment to this mega event for the enjoyment of viewers in Hong Kong.”

Mr. Lo Ting-fai, General Manager of HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, said, “ViuTV is very excited to bring this world-class sports event to the wider audience of Hong Kong. As most of the matches will be held after dusk in Hong Kong, all family members can enjoy all the FIFA World Cup excitement during the prime time television viewing hours, whether they are at home or out-of-home.

ViuTV will produce a series of exciting lead-in and supporting programs to enhance the FIFA World Cup viewing experience and to cater to the interests of the diverse audience as the FIFA World Cup is an event that is enjoyed by viewers of all ages.”

Mr. Philippe Le Floc’h, FIFA’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “We are very pleased to be working with such a strong broadcast partner to share the passion of the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Hong Kong’s huge football fan base.”