What we’re tracking this week
The World Cup kicks off tomorrow: The world’s most-watched sports event will finally kick off in a little over 24 hours, with the first match being played between Russia and Saudi Arabia. You can tap or click here for the full World Cup schedule.
State TV looks likely to air 22 matches, including any game in which the Pharaohs play and the finals. While FIFA has yet to grant it permission to broadcast the games, the National Media Authority (NMA) claims it will move along with plans to broadcast the matches without charge on state television. The Egyptian Competition Authority had issued a statement on Sunday ordering FIFA to grant the NMA rights to broadcast the games, claiming that the football body’s contract with Qatar’s beIN Sports for exclusive broadcasting rights in the region was awarded under an unfair tender process. The ECA says COMESA has launched a probe (pdf) into allegations that FIFA engaged in unfair practices.