BBC and ITV win two World Cups

UK broadcasters the BBC and ITV have secured rights the 2018 and 2022 football World Cups.

The rights package gives the broadcasters TV, online and radio rights to the tournaments. The deal continues a long-held tradition in the UK whereby the two largest broadcasters share the World Cup rights. The pair have both shown the last fourteen tournaments.

The BBC said that three-quarters of the British population tuned in to the last World Cup. The announcement was made in the same week that the 2014 tournament is starting in Brazil.

BBC director of sport, Barbara Slater, said: ” It is fantastic news that the pinnacle event in world football will continue to be available free of charge for everyone in the UK.