MUMBAI: Broadcasters, OTT/VoD platforms and digital companies are looking forward to entertaining and engaging viewers by providing the best adrenalin. Sports lately is the genre which is in vogue. Leading broadcast and streaming companies are seeking out avenues and sporting event opportunities to keep their dedicated viewers glued to their respective screens.

On the back of the success of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2017 in Korea Republic, and with the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 on the horizon, FIFA has launched the bidding process for the next editions of both of its men’s youth competitions - to be staged in 2019. 

Telecast rights of U-17 FIFA World Cup 2017 to be held in India from 6--28 October are with Sony Pictures Network India. U-20 World Cup 2017 held in the Korea Republic was also telecast in India by Sony Pictures. Apart from India, Sony will air the matches in Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives and Bangladesh. 

In 2014, Sony had won the media rights for the cyclic event till the next FIFA World Cup to be held in June 2018 in Russia, Sony Six business head Prasanna Krishnan told Indiantelevision.com.

The FIFA 2019 bidding process for both tournaments recently got under way, with a deadline of 7 July 2017 having been set for FIFA member associations to declare an interest in staging either of the competitions. Member associations are being given the opportunity to bid for both events, however each event will be awarded to a different host.

After that initial stage in the process, bidding and hosting documents will be sent by FIFA on 14 July to the relevant associations, who will have until 18 August to re-confirm their interest in becoming the tournament’s hosts. Definitive bids must then be submitted by 1 November, with the appointment of each host scheduled for Q4 2017 or Q1 2018 by the FIFA Council.

The FIFA U-20 and U-17 World Cups are two of FIFA’s oldest competitions, dating back to 1977 and 1985, respectively. Since their inceptions, both competitions have grown in size and stature, adding lustre to the game by producing great attacking football and unveiling exciting players for the future.

Players who have received the prestigious adidas Golden Ball for their performance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup include Diego Maradona, Robert Prosinecki, Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero and Paul Pogba, whilst at the U-17 level they include Landon Donovan, Cesc Fabregas and Toni Kroos, to name a few.