FIFA President Gianni Infantino has thanked Z for its efforts in growing football’s footprint in India, lauding the broadcaster’s role in expanding access to the sport through its long-term partnership with FIFA and its initiatives around the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In a video message addressed to the broadcaster ahead of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Infantino said, “I want to thank you, my friends at Zee TV, for everything you have done to promote football in India.” He added, “I’m very proud of our partnership, which encompasses 39 FIFA competitions,” referring to the landmark agreement that includes the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, FIFA Youth World Cups, Futsal tournaments and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
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Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Infantino said it would help transform the way football is consumed in the country. “This ensures that football can now be presented as a continuous narrative in India, not just as something that happens every four years,” he said, while describing India as “a passionate football country” with “huge potential.”
Reflecting on his visits to India, Infantino recalled the record attendance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, and his meeting with former India captain Sunil Chhetri. He also noted the presence of players of Indian heritage representing countries including New Zealand, Australia, Qatar and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the FIFA World Cup 2026, alongside thousands of Indian fans who travelled to support the tournament.
Infantino also praised Z’s efforts to extend the World Cup experience beyond television. “I’m delighted that Zee TV has attempted to take the tournament beyond private television viewing,” he said. “By allowing authorized screenings in venues such as cinemas, pubs, restaurants, airports and hotels, you have helped to create communal match night experiences across the country. This is a wonderful initiative and does immense good for our game.”
Also read: Z Partners With FIFA To Broadcast 39 Global Football Events In India Till 2034
Concluding his message, the FIFA President thanked the broadcaster once again for its contribution to the sport in India and expressed hope for the country’s future on football’s biggest stage. “I thank you once again for everything you have done to boost our sport in beautiful India, and of course, I look forward to the day when we can welcome India to the FIFA World Cup.”
