RTM will screen 41 World Cup matches of which 27 would be live, said Gobind Singh Deo.

The communications and multimedia minister said the arrangement to televise the matches on the state broadcaster would cost some RM40 million.

The financial details will be announced by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng tomorrow.

“There will be 41 matches, 27 of them would be aired live and 14 delayed.

“It would be about RM40 million and, of course, there would be sponsors to absorb part of it,” he said in a press conference today. 

There are 64 matches in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.  Astro has secured the rights to carry all 64 live matches on its paid channels.

The Puchong MP also said the government would be looking for sponsors to bear the costs of airing the matches. 

“My greatest concern was the cost. We are trying to cut down the cost,” Gobind said. 

He added the government would approach broadcasters to lower the cost to air matches. 

“It is a process of direct negotiations. We would negotiate to reduce the overall costs of this competition.”

Earlier today, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that RTM would be airing World Cup matches live for free. 

So far, only the World Cup would air live while there is no decision regarding other competitions. – May 30, 2018.