FIFA may not collect anything for public viewing
During the World Cup in Brazil, organizers of public viewings in Switzerland enjoy a special privilege: the guidelines of the Fifa World Football Association do not apply to them. This is particularly good news for the hosts.
Not only are FIFA's guidelines invalid. Fifa is also not allowed to impose any restrictions on advertising or sponsorship, or on the range of products or services on offer. This is the result of a long-standing legal dispute. Although this was fought out by the European Football Association Uefa, the result also applies to the world football association Fifa.
Uefa had insisted on its own license for broadcasts on screens with a diagonal of more than three meters during the Euro 2008 football championship. However, the Federal Administrative Court ruled that Uefa may not ask the organizers of public viewings to pay.
Nevertheless, FIFA expects all public viewing events in Switzerland to be carried out in accordance with FIFA guidelines, as a spokesperson for the world football association announced. Fifa is of the opinion that the organizers and owners of the corresponding broadcasting rights should have the final say on the use of such broadcasting rights.
License with Suisa
Even in Switzerland, you can't do it without a license: anyone who offers their guests the opportunity to watch the football tournament in a publicly accessible place must obtain a license from Suisa, the cooperative of authors and publishers of music. Fees are charged depending on the size of the screen. If the screen measures less than three meters diagonally, nothing has to be paid - provided the organizer is already a Billag customer for television reception. For larger models, event organizers have to fork out between CHF 312 and CHF 1248 to be allowed to show all matches. If they charge admission, the fees are twice as high. (SDA)
