“Purchasing power” is the reason for the difference in prices for World Cup viewing subscriptions

The director of communications and events at the “Toad” platform, affiliated with the “BeIN Sports” group, Nashat Al-Khalidi, defended the subscription pricing policy on the platform broadcasting the 2026 World Cup finals matches, stressing that it seeks to provide the best possible value for the price paid, and that prices differ between countries in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the purchasing power in each country and the nature of the services available in it and its interest in the game, in addition to pricing the tournament from the source.

Al-Khalidi told Emirates Today that Todd is working on establishing partnerships with telecommunications and television companies and payment service providers, with the aim of facilitating subscription and access to the platform.

He pointed out that “the platform continuously reviews its prices, and listens to subscribers’ comments, in an attempt to make the service accessible to the largest possible segment, while preserving the value of the sports and entertainment content it provides.”

He added that subscription prices for sports tournaments vary globally depending on the nature of each market and the public’s interest in sports, explaining that the Arab public’s passion for football, from the Ocean to the Gulf, makes the region’s market different from other markets where the cost of rights or levels of demand may be lower.

Regarding complaints related to interruptions in broadcasting or delays, Al-Khalidi confirmed that “Toad” is an official platform that relies on advanced infrastructure and technologies to provide a stable viewing experience, noting that the problems that sometimes appear are often related to external factors, such as the user’s weak Internet connection or specific local network conditions.

Regarding the demands of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to make a number of World Cup matches available for free, and whether this applies to the platform, Al-Khalidi said that the answer to this aspect is up to the decision-making authorities.

He explained that “Toad” provides sports and entertainment content in a way that differs from traditional TV channels, despite providing a large portion of the same content, noting that some programs are shown exclusively on the platform, while other programs are broadcast exclusively on TV channels, which makes the viewing experience different between the two platforms.

In response to a question about the possibility of broadcasting the final match for free, Al-Khalidi said that he personally hopes for this to happen, but he cannot confirm or deny the matter.

He added that the final decision on such steps rests with senior management, and is linked to several factors, including the platform’s ability to accommodate this type of availability, stressing that he would be happy if such a decision was issued, because it is in the interest of viewers, subscribers, and the platform alike.

Al-Khalidi denied that the platform generates large profits as some believe, explaining that the revenues generated by “Toad” are reinvested in developing the platform and improving the user experience.

He said that the platform, which has been operating for nearly four years, continues to invest in technologies and services to provide a better experience for following sports and entertainment.

Al-Khalidi pointed out that digital transformation has become a global trend that requires broadcast platforms to constantly develop their services, pointing out that the viewer is looking daily for a more interactive and advanced experience, and that the platform is working to meet these aspirations by benefiting from the experience of the “BeIN” Media Group in the fields of sports and entertainment.

Regarding the challenge of piracy, Al-Khalidi said that this phenomenon still exists, and that governments have become more aware of its danger, stressing that the “Toad” platform, as part of the “BeIN” media group, is based on long experience in combating piracy.

He added that the platform seeks to provide real value to subscribers that cannot be obtained through illegal platforms, whether through broadcast quality, stability, or services accompanying the content.

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%40 They just follow the summaries

Al-Khalidi revealed that platform studies showed that about 70% of users watch content via mobile devices or televisions, while others prefer to follow matches in cafes and public places.

He added that about 60% of users are keen to watch the matches live, compared to 40% who are content with following summaries and replays, especially when the matches are held at very early times.