Government calls for quick agreement over coverage of tournament

The UK government has joined others across Europe to call for quick agreement over televising the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer.

The tournament kicks off on July 20 with England and the Republic of Ireland among the 32 competing nations.

But broadcast deals between some of Europe's biggest nations - including

England - and FIFA have yet to be struck and the danger persists that the biggest tournament in women's football faces a TV blackout in those countries.

"We have acknowledged with concern that until now, no television rights have been attributed for the matches broadcasting in our countries," read a joint statement from the sports ministers of the UK, France, Germany, Italy

and Spain.

"We are aware of the legitimate interests and budgetary constraints pressuring both assignees and independent broadcasters, who need a viable economic model for each of them.

"We also recognise the specific organisational constraints that are likely to affect the 'market value' of the European broadcasters' rights (period and hours of broadcasting)."

The five sports ministers said media coverage of the tournament would be "decisive" in improving the visibility of women's sports in their countries.

"Because of the high potential of the FIFA Women's World Cup and the sport and social issues at stake, we consider it our responsibility to fully mobilise all stakeholders, for them to quickly reach an agreement," the statement added.

"These are decisions for FIFA and broadcasters to take independently, but we know that discussions are in progress and we are confident in FIFA and independent broadcasters' capability to find a common path toward fair development of the FIFA Women's World Cup."

England boss Sarina Wiegman expects the issue to be resolved.

She said: "I'm not worried about that situation. I think FIFA and the broadcasters will solve that before the tournament starts.

"I've heard England is in a pretty good place. I have seen how it (women's football) has been covered here in England since I came in, which is really good, so I expect that to be that way again. I'm focusing on the football part."