Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) to broadcast FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016

The sports cluster of SPN will broadcast the 8th edition of the biggest futsal tournament in the world, the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016. The opening game of the tournament between the host country Columbia and Portugal will be simulcast on Sony SIX, Sony SIX HD and SONY ESPN, SONY ESPN HD at 0625 hrs IST on September 11, 2016. 

With the telecast of the first ever Premier Futsal in July this year, the sports cluster of SPN became forerunners in bringing futsal to Indian viewers. The league saw legends of football and futsal come together for the first time in a unique and pioneering model. The success of the tournament has led to a considerable spike in the demand for futsal viewing.

The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, is an international championship, organized by FIFA and held every four years, between two football World Cups. The reigning champions, Brazil will defend their title this year with some of their marquee players like Fernandinho and Falcao expected to create futsal magic with their footwork. Up until now, Brazil and Spain have been the only two countries who have claimed the title of Futsal World Cup champions, with Brazil winning five and Spain winning two times.

Comments:

Rajesh Kaul, President, Distribution and Sports, Sony Pictures Networks

“The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, is the biggest futsal tournament in the world and we are happy to bring this experience to our Indian football fans. It is a known fact that futsal has massive potential in India and with the broadcast of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, the popularity of the game is expected to further increase by a considerable margin. With plenty of football fans lapping up the skills, it won’t be long before futsal becomes the norm of the nation. With the acquisition of some of the key European football properties like the UEFA EURO 2016, LaLiga, Serie A etc., we have tried to bring to our audiences unmatched viewing experiences. With the telecast of Premier Futsal and now the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, we aim to diversify our football broadcast portfolio to a large extent.”

The sports cluster of SPN brings to its viewers the best of European football throughout the year, making it the ultimate viewing destination for football enthusiasts. With the acquisition of some of the biggest and most watched international properties like the UEFA EURO 2016, LaLiga, Serie A, FA Cup, FIFA U-17, Community Shield etc, the sports cluster of SPN provides an unparalleled viewing experience to Indian audiences.  With the telecast of Premier Futsal and now the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, the sports cluster of SPN has expanded their football broadcasting portfolio to a great extent.

The FIFA Futsal World Cup 2016, Columbia will be telecast from 11 September 2016 to 2 October 2016 on Sony SIX, Sony SIX HD, SONY ESPN and SONY ESPN HD.