Insiders familiar with the World Cup broadcast negotiations say that fans in Singapore will not be deprived of the World Cup.
The New Paper spoke to two negotiators - Michael, who has overseas broadcasting negotiation experience, and John, who has local experience in striking broadcast deals for the World Cup and the English Premier League (EPL).
Michael said that while there have been reports that the asking price is $100 million, the amount tabled by Fifa to Singapore, first in 2007, was "much lower".
And, he insists, the deal is for the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
Separately, John said the amount was closer to the US$30 million ($42m) mark.
John, who was involved in the battle for EPL rights, said StarHub and SingTel focused on the English game and took their eye off the World Cup.
It was reported that SingTel paid $400m for the EPL telecast rights.
John said that one factor that affects negotiations is the amount the broadcaster has been paying to carry soccer matches. In short, the richer the country, the more it has to pay.
John claims the $400 million proved that broadcasters here could afford to pay the equivalent of what the US is paying to broadcast the World Cup from South Africa.
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