Sir Geoff Hurst MBE

Comment... from Sir Geoff

World Cup games to remain on free-to-air TV in the UKSource: BBC
Date: 17 February 2011
Geoff writes:
I am delighted with the decision to allow the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championships to remain on free-to-air television. It is vitally important that as many people as possible can be part of these tournaments without paying out more money.

I know that FIFA and UEFA want to raise more funds but the prize money in South Africa was up 60 per cent on the 2006 tournament with a prize fund of $420 million. More prize money does not equal more motivation for the players or the teams. Playing for your country is the highest honour in any sport - that is motivation enough. It is more important that the country can watch their team compete and cheer them on without worrying about money. [read original news report]