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The UK and other central European governments called FIFA and independent broadcasters. They want FIFA to make a quick agreement for telecasting the Women's World Cup in July and August. The joint statement comes weeks after Gianni Infantino, the head of FIFA, threatened not to show this year's tournament in five European countries - the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain over money.
Women's World Cup: The governments from the five countries' statement
Infantino claimed broadcasters had offered FIFA between $1m (£800,000) and $10m (£8m) for the rights, compared with $100m (£80m) to $200m (£160m) for the men's World Cup. The governments from the five countries embroiled in the row have now said in a statement: "We, as sports ministers of European countries whose women's national football teams have qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand, from the 20th of July to the 20th of August 2023, have acknowledged with concern that until now, no television rights have been attributed for the matches broadcasting in our countries."
"We are convinced about the media coverage of the Women's World Cup. It will be decisive in improving the global visibility of women's sports in our European countries. Media exposure to women's sports has a significant impact on the development of women's and young girls' sports practices."
The governments have also said they feel it is their responsibility to mobilise all stakeholders. Responsibility for them to reach an agreement quickly. The Women's World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand. It will kick off on July 20, with the final on August 20. Only 50 days to go until the Women's World Cup starts. The organisers confirmed about 850,000 tickets have been already sold for the event. A Fifa spokesperson also told BBC Sport that it is expecting the one million tickets sold mark "over the next few weeks".
England named their squad for the tournament on Wednesday. They are in Group D, along with Denmark, China, and Haiti. The European champions, England are one of the favourites for the World Cup.