ZEE's licence fee notices for World Cup screenings spark Kerala backlash

Licence fee notices issued for public screenings of FIFA World Cup matches have sparked a backlash in Kerala, with football fan clubs and community organisers warning that the move could affect a long-standing culture of free match screenings across the state. The issue reached the Kerala Assembly on Monday, prompting the government to step in and begin discussions with stakeholders.

CPIM MLA PA Muhammad Riyas raised the matter in the Assembly, saying several public representatives had received complaints from football fans and local organisers after notices were issued by ZEE and Eagles FC Kerala, which holds licensing rights in the state.

ROW OVER LICENCE FEE NOTICES

Riyas said Kerala's passion for football, particularly during the World Cup, is recognised around the world and that community screenings have become an integral part of the state's sporting culture.

“Kerala’s love for football and World Cup is known globally. Even FIFA recognised it. People are taking small amount from their pockets and setting up screens for matches which is attended by people across age groups,” he said.

According to the MLA, fan clubs and local groups that organise screenings for residents have been left worried after receiving notices demanding licence fees.

“ZEE and Eagles FC Kerala that has licensing rights in Kerala have issued notice to few clubs and groups saying they will have to pay license fees. The organisers are in great trouble and many of us have received multiple complaints regarding this. Requesting state govt to hold discussion with centre and licensing agencies regarding this,” Riyas said.

The issue has drawn attention from football enthusiasts across Kerala, where large public screenings of major international tournaments often attract crowds cutting across age groups and communities.

GOVT DIFFERENTIATES COMMERCIAL AND FREE SCREENINGS

Responding to the concerns, Sports Minister OJ Janeesh said the state government was not a stakeholder in the agreement signed between FIFA and ZEE and that details of the arrangement were not publicly available.

He, however, indicated that the government sees a distinction between screenings organised for commercial gain and those arranged free of cost by football fans.

“Many concerns have been raised by football fans. State govt is not a stakeholder in the agreement that was signed between FIFA and ZEE. The agreement details are not available on public platforms,” he said.

“Govt sees the screenings organised by malls and other businesses for their business interest and those screenings organised for free by football fans, is seen as two separate scenarios. Govt is also of the opinion that there should not be any issues regarding this free screening.”

Janeesh said the government moved quickly after receiving complaints and had already initiated talks with those involved.

“As soon as we got info regarding this, state had entrusted sports department special secretary to hold discussions with those concerned. We are hoping to settle this issue soon. The discussions are going on positively,” he said.

CHIEF MINISTER PROMISES SOLUTION

Chief Minister VD Satheesan assured the Assembly that the government was treating the matter seriously and was working towards a resolution.

“I have spoken to sports minister. We will soon sort it out. There is an issue with getting permission from FIFA. Once that’s done, govt will positively sort out the issue. Necessary steps are being taken,” the chief minister said.

The government's intervention comes amid fears among football fans that licence fee requirements could make it difficult for local clubs and community groups to organise free public screenings during the FIFA World Cup.

With discussions now underway, fan clubs are awaiting clarity on whether exemptions or alternative arrangements can be worked out for non-commercial screenings, which have long been a hallmark of Kerala's football culture.

- Ends