Television
Zee issues advisory on FIFA World Cup 2026 streaming and branding use
Hotels and commercial venues told to follow strict rules on FIFA branding use now
MUMBAI: India’s hospitality and commercial sectors have been handed a firm reminder to stay on the right side of the whistle as streaming rights and trademark rules around global football come into sharp focus.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises, through its streaming platform ZEE5, has issued a compliance advisory ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, warning hotels, restaurants, and other commercial venues in India against unauthorised use of FIFA’s branding and content.
The advisory underlines that terms such as “FIFA”, “World Cup 2026”, along with official logos and associated marks, are protected intellectual property owned by FIFA. It states that any unauthorised use, reproduction, or commercial display of these assets in advertising, promotions, or venue communications is strictly prohibited.
According to the notice, only officially licensed partners are permitted to use FIFA trademarks. Businesses have been cautioned that even indirect usage in marketing material or on-premise branding could lead to legal consequences.
The advisory also reiterates that ZEE5 holds exclusive streaming rights for the tournament in India. As a result, hotels and commercial establishments have been instructed to ensure that all public screenings of World Cup matches are carried out strictly through authorised platforms.
Any deviation from these guidelines, the notice warns, could invite penalties, suspension of services, or further legal action under applicable intellectual property and broadcasting laws.
With football fever expected to surge during the tournament, the directive serves as a clear reminder: when it comes to FIFA content, only the licensed play will count, and everything else risks being called offside.
