TV rights for the Women’s World Cup have not been sold in the vast majority of European countries, according to The Independent.

While the BBC and ITV have agreed deals with FIFA for broadcasts in the UK, similar contracts haven’t been signed in the likes of Germany, France or Italy.

Despite women’s football being popular on the continent, there is an increasing danger that the sport’s flagship competition won’t be shown in many countries.

There are now only 50 days to go before the tournament kicks off in Australia and New Zealand, but FIFA are not willing to undervalue the rights by selling them for what has been described as “derisory” figures.

In Italy, for example, broadcasters are offering just 1% of what they paid for the men’s competition last year, and the bids are only slightly better in other territories.

Why are FIFA finding it difficult to sell the rights?

Kick-off times have been blamed, but most of the games will be shown between 9 am and midday in Europe. While it isn’t exactly prime-time viewing, the games are still being shown at reasonable hours, especially for kids and families on school holidays.

It will be hoped that broadcasters on the continent will up their offers before the tournament starts on July 20th.