Matildas FIFA World Cup matches added to anti-siphoning list
The Albanese Government has added the FIFA Women’s World Cup to the anti-siphoning list, off the back of unprecedented national support for The Matildas.
The announcement comes just days before bids for the Australian media rights to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup close.
The anti-siphoning list protects the broadcasting rights of sporting events deemed to be of significant national interest from being acquired by subscription TV networks and placed behind a paywall. This latest amendment will ensure that future Matildas matches will be able to be watched free-to-air.
The anti-siphoning list now covers every match of the tournament involving the senior Australian representative team, the tournament final, and qualifying matches involving the senior Australian representative team that are played in Australia.
Given their recent success with the Matildas matches, Seven’s chief James Warburton is happy with this news.
“Seven applauds the Government’s announcement to include key matches from the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the anti-siphoning list,” he said.
“Through Seven’s free broadcast and digital streaming on 7plus, the Matildas’ incredible World Cup journey became one of the biggest viewing events in Australian history – reaching over 14.8 million people on Seven and 3.82 million on 7plus.
“As the Government seeks to modernise the anti-siphoning list, it is critical that BVOD rights are included alongside the broadcast rights to ensure that all Australians can watch their favourite sports on TV or online without a paywall barrier.”
Michelle Rowland, the minister for communications, said of the addition: “The Albanese Government recognises the need for events of national importance and cultural significance to be made available live and free wherever possible. Much has changed in terms of technology, platforms and viewing habits in the decades since the scheme commenced – and we’re responding to that.
“The Matildas’ incredible performance in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup brought us together as a nation and will be talked about for years to come – we all shared in the excitement as the team progressed from stage to stage.
“They’ve inspired a whole new generation of Australian kids to take up soccer, boosting grassroots sports participation, while setting a number of viewership records as Australians tuned in and cheered our team on.
“Every Australian deserves the chance to enjoy live and free coverage of these events, no matter where they live or what they earn. This amendment to the list will help to support this outcome.”
The change amendment takes effect today, just before bids for the Australian media rights to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup close on September 19.
“This will ensure these important events are regulated under the scheme before negotiations over rights commence in earnest,” Rowland said of the timing.
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Nathan Jolly is the Deputy Editor of Mumbrella. He joined the team in July, 2023.
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