French free-to-air sports broadcaster L’Équipe has acquired rights to the upcoming Hockey Men’s World Cup as the national team prepares to return to the competition after a long absence.
Under the deal with the International Hockey Federation (FIH), L’Équipe will broadcast France’s group stage matches, the Argentina-Spain game, the cross-over game if France is involved, the semi-finals and the final.
FIH chief executive Thierry Weil said: “I’m convinced that the increased exposure for hockey gained through this partnership will have a positive impact on the growth of our sport in the country which will host the Olympic Games in 2024.”
Nicolas Manissier, director of acquisitions at L’Équipe, added: “By broadcasting the World Cup, this is a rare opportunity for the French public to discover this sport and support the team of France, after 28 years of absence in the competition.”
The 2018 World Cup will be held in Bhubaneswar, India from November 28 to December 16. France opens its campaign with a game against New Zealand on November 29.