Punit Goenka hails FIFA partnership as milestone for football's growth in India

The broadcaster has secured exclusive media rights to FIFA competitions in the country until 2034

by e4m Staff
Published: Jul 19, 2026 5:13 PM | 2 min read

Punit Goenka, CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), expressed gratitude to FIFA in a letter ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, highlighting their partnership as a key milestone for promoting football in India.
Goenka described the collaboration as a journey aimed at enhancing the football ecosystem and making the sport integral to India's sporting culture.
He emphasized Zee's long-term commitment to fostering a love for football and creating engaging experiences for fans, indicating that this partnership is just the beginning of future milestones.
The letter coincides with Zee's strengthened media rights partnership with FIFA, aimed at expanding the reach and popularity of football among Indian audiences.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) CEO Punit Goenka has penned a heartfelt letter to FIFA, describing the partnership between the broadcaster and the global football body as a defining milestone in Zee's mission to strengthen football's ecosystem in India.

In the letter addressed to "Team FIFA", Goenka thanked FIFA for its collaboration in bringing "the passion and spirit of football closer to fans across India", calling the partnership "a beautiful journey" that aims to take the sport to every corner of the country.

"Our strategic partnership marks a defining milestone in our commitment to elevate and strengthen the football ecosystem in India. Together, as one team, we have taken a significant step towards making football an integral part of India's sporting culture," Goenka wrote.

Reaffirming Zee's long-term vision, he said the company remains committed to nurturing a deeper love for football and creating meaningful experiences for fans across the country. He added that the partnership with FIFA is only the beginning, with many more milestones expected in the years ahead.

Goenka also expressed gratitude to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the entire FIFA family for their trust and support. He thanked viewers, advertisers, distribution partners, presenters, football experts and the entire Zee team for contributing to the success of the initiative.

Looking to the future, Goenka said Zee's ambition extends beyond broadcasting the world's biggest football tournaments.

"The journey of football in India has only just begun. We remain committed to inspiring the next generation of football lovers, and one day, celebrating the moment when India proudly takes its place on the FIFA World Cup stage," he wrote.

The letter comes as Zee strengthens its association with FIFA through a long-term media rights partnership, reinforcing its ambition to expand football's reach and popularity among Indian audiences.