Maldivian Youth to Watch FIFA World Cup for Free via PSM Channels

The Maldivian government has announced that all matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup will be available to the public free of charge. This initiative, described as a gift to the nation's youth, ensures that residents can access the tournament without additional fees or specialized subscription packages. All matches of the tournament, which begins this June across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be broadcast on PSM’s YES TV and affiliated channels. The arrangement follows a sublicensing agreement signed on Thursday between PSM and MediaNet, the official broadcasting license holder for the event in the Maldives. Speaking at the signing ceremony, PSM Managing Director Ahmed Shakeeb emphasized that the decision to provide free access extends beyond sports. He noted that major international tournaments serve as catalysts for national unity and shared spirit, highlighting football's historical role in strengthening the social fabric of the Maldives. "We believe this major international tournament is not just a sporting event," Shakeeb stated. "From the perspective of Maldivian history and sports culture, football in particular plays a very important role in strengthening national unity and reviving the national spirit." Under the new agreement, MediaNet customers can view the tournament through PSM channels without incurring extra costs. Shakeeb expressed gratitude to MediaNet's management for their support in making this accessibility possible for the general public. PSM has already initiated technical preparations to broadcast the full suite of World Cup coverage, including live matches, pre-show analysis, and related programming. The move continues a long-standing tradition of football broadcasting in the country, which dates back to the first World Cup broadcast provided to Maldivians during the 1986 tournament in Mexico via Television Maldives, the predecessor to PSM.