New Delhi: By the time India was absent in 2026 FIFA World Cup dominating social media timelines once again, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. — the tournament’s broadcaster in India — has pledged to contribute 15 percent of the revenue it earns from subscriptions to uplifting soccer in the country.Zee, which has entered into an eight-year partnership with FIFA until 2034, said it “enables and empowers every Zee 5 subscriber, watching the sport of football, to contribute to the identification, training and development of young talent from all corners of the country.” As part of the initiative, Zee plans to collaborate with various organisations, including the All India Football Federation (AIFF), to nurture the sport at the grassroots level.“‘Z’ will work with several associations including AIFF and others at the city, district, state and national levels. (There will be) initiatives to train youth and create football leagues. This will be the basis of sub-revenues collected from football,” a company spokesperson told TimesofIndia.com.The spokesperson explained that the process begins with immediate effect. They also clarified that subscribers do not have to pay more than what they already are.Zee faced a lot of criticism over its subscription plans and feature changes hours before the tournament began on June 11.Under the three-month plan, users shelled out Rs 799 for FIFA World Cup with usage limited to 3 devices as an early bird. He was released on one device ahead of the tournament. The 12-month plan is worth Rs 1,699 and has a device limit of two simultaneous screens.In its first weekend (June 11-14), Zee recorded 100 million viewers across its digital, linear and social networks. The app of Zee5, an OTT platform company, garnered 6 million viewers during that period.Zee is reported to have paid between 250-300 crore rupees to FIFA for this eight-year deal covering the 2026 and 2030 Men’s FIFA World Cup and the 2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup.
