<p>FIFA is reportedly looking for investors to significantly expand their very own streaming service. FIFA+, the governing body’s streaming service, was previously launched in 2022 as a way to offer soccer fans additional content. Accessing this content, which includes select live matches, is currently free to all users. Viewers do, however, have to watch advertisements before videos begin.</p>



<p>Along with live games, FIFA+ also includes certain match replays, highlights, and original content. Several full-length soccer documentaries are featured in this latter category. Executives at the streaming service had previously planned to broadcast around 40,000 live matches every year. However, growth at FIFA+ has been a slow and steady process.  </p>



<p>2023 Women’s World Cup matches were available on FIFA+ in areas where exclusive broadcasting rights were not successfully sold. The service has also offered <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-to-stream-quarterfinals-of-the-african-football-league-20231020-WST-463416.html">African Football League</a> (AFL) fixtures and the men’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fifa/oceania-confederation-matches-coming-to-fifa-20240301-WST-492344.html">Oceana Football Confederation</a> (OFC) tournaments as well.</p>



<h2>FIFA specifically targeting US, Middle Eastern partner for streaming service</h2>



<p>FIFA+ has slowly grown since its introduction two years ago. Now, though, the governing body is looking to expand even further. Sources close to the action have told <em><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-27/fifa-looking-to-raise-up-to-2-billion-for-streaming-service?embedded-checkout=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a></em> that FIFA wants to raise as much as $2 billion to expand the streaming service. UBS Group, a multinational financial institute, is even already working with FIFA on any potential deal. UBS, like soccer’s governing body, has headquarters in Switzerland.</p>



<p>According to the sources, the fundraising process will likely begin as early as July. FIFA is open to all possible investors but is looking specifically at financial firms from the Middle East and the United States. The governing body has targeted these two particular regions as potential areas of growth in the sport.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/16040429/FIFA-partner-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-513961" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<p>Middle Eastern nations have recently hosted a plethora of Club World Cup tournaments, as well as the 2022 World Cup. The United States is also hosting both competitions over the next two years. Any partnership between FIFA and an investor would include a minority stake in FIFA+.</p>



<h2>Broadcasting deals have not fared well for FIFA lately</h2>



<p>A deal regarding FIFA+ would not be the first time that the governing body tried to raise additional funds with broadcasting rights. FIFA previously agreed to a $25 billion deal back in 2018 to essentially create two new tournaments. The agreement, however, ultimately failed as European soccer authorities intensely pushed back on the idea.</p>



<p>FIFA then revamped the somewhat unpopular Club World Cup two years later. While the move stalled due to the pandemic, the 2025 updated version of the competition is in the United States. Coaches, players, and even many fans, however, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/player-unions-file-lawsuit-against-fifa-regarding-club-world-cup/">oppose expanding</a> the tournament. FIFA is also currently having trouble finding a broadcasting partner for the competition.</p>



<p>Apple was among the candidates looking to strike a deal to broadcast the 2025 Club World Cup across the globe. Nevertheless, the agreement has <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/club-world-cup-hits-another-hurdle-as-deal-with-apple-collapses/">since stalled</a>. The massive tech company values the partnership at around $1 billion. FIFA, on the other hand, is looking for a figure closer to $4 billion. As a result, negotiations are currently at a stalemate.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


FIFA looking for $2 billion streaming service partner

FIFA is reportedly looking for a partner or new investors to expand its own streaming service in a major money move.

FIFA looking for $2 billion streaming service partner - World Soccer Talk

<p>The upcoming African Football League (AFL) quarterfinals will be streamed live via <a href="https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/?gl=us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIFA+</a>. Set to begin on Friday, October 20th, the inaugural edition of the tournament will last for four weeks. The competition features some of the best soccer clubs in the entire continent of Africa. Soccer fans in most areas can watch the action on FIFA+. However, those in South Africa, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom can not gain access to the matches.</p>



<h2>AFL is not a direct replacement for the CAF Champions League</h2>



<p>Although not to be confused with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/afc-champions-league-tv-schedule/">CAF Champions League</a>, the AFL is fairly similar. Both competitions feature the top clubs in Africa. However, the newly-formed AFL will run alongside the traditional CAF Champions League tournament.  The AFL was created in 2021 and will initially feature eight total teams. However, the competition will supposedly swell to include 24 clubs for the following year.</p>



<p>The first leg of the quarterfinals will be played between October 20th and October 22nd. After a few days off, the return legs are set to be resumed on October 24th and 25th. All of these matchups will be available on FIFA’s official video platform.</p>



<h2>FIFA+ also has a plethora of match replays and docs </h2>



<p>Al Ahly (Egypt), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), and Wydad AC (Morocco) will feature in the upcoming tournament from the northern region of Africa. The central/west division includes Enyimba FC (Nigeria), and TP Mazembe (Democratic Republic of Congo). Finally, Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa), Atletico Petroleos de Luanda (Angola), and Simba SC (Tanzania) will represent the southeast section.</p>



<p>FIFA+ was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-plus-launch-features-thousands-of-live-matches-20220413-CMS-379738.html">launched</a> in 2022 as place where soccer fans can watch thousands of videos, including live matches. Accessing the streaming service is currently free. However, the only trade-off is the fact that the service will play relatively short advertisements before the video begins.</p>



<p>Along with select live games, FIFA+ also allows users to access thousands of match replays, highlights, as well as original content. This includes several full-length soccer documentaries.</p>



<p><strong>First leg schedules for AFL quarterfinals:</strong></p>



<p>Friday, October 20th – Simba SC vs. Al Ahly SC, 12PM (ET)</p>



<p>Saturday, October 21st – TP Mazembe v Esperance Sportive de Tunis, 9AM (ET)</p>



<p>Petroleos de Luanda vs. Mamelodi Sundowns, 10:30AM (ET)</p>



<p>Sunday, October 22nd –  Enyimba FC vs. Wydad AC, 1PM (ET).</p>


FIFA+ to stream quarterfinals of the African Football League

Upcoming African Football League (AFL) quarterfinal matches are available to stream in most areas around the globe on FIFA+.

FIFA+ to stream quarterfinals of the African Football League - World Soccer Talk

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