Justice for Myanmar Seeks FIFA Action on Broadcast Deal

Justice for Myanmar, a rights organization representing opposition voices, has formally requested that FIFA withdraw the exclusive 2026 World Cup broadcast rights granted to Mytel, a telecom operator owned jointly by the Myanmar military and Vietnam’s Viettel. The group says the deal provides a vital revenue stream for the junta, which seized power in 2021 and has since been condemned for human rights abuses.

Mytel, launched in 2018, is widely known as a key financial conduit for the military government. It has been the target of consumer boycotts and international sanctions, including a U.S. Commerce Department listing that cites its role in surveillance and funding of the regime’s violent tactics. By awarding Mytel the broadcast contract, FIFA is inadvertently supporting a sanctioned entity that enables ongoing repression.

The appeal, led by spokesperson Yadanar Maung, emphasizes that the decision undermines the sanctions regime and disrespects the sacrifices of Myanmar’s pro‑democracy activists. The group calls on FIFA to align its actions with international human rights standards, noting that millions of Myanmar football fans are being forced to watch the tournament through a platform linked to the very government that oppresses them.

FIFA has not yet responded to the request, and the organization’s initial tender process for Myanmar rights in September 2025 did not anticipate the political implications of awarding the contract to a sanctioned firm. The rights controversy underscores the growing scrutiny of how global sports bodies handle partnerships that intersect with conflict zones and authoritarian regimes.

If FIFA revokes Mytel’s rights, it would signal a commitment to human rights and reinforce the global community’s stance against the junta. It would also provide an opportunity for alternative, independent broadcasters to reach Myanmar’s passionate football audience without financially supporting the military. The outcome could set a precedent for future decisions where sports intersect with political oppression.