Women World Cup WILL be televised in UK contrary to Infantino's blackout threats

The Women's World Cup is set to be screened in the UK, despite the threat of a blackout by Gianni Infantino.

The FIFA president went on the attack earlier this week, less then three months ahead of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, calling for ‘a fair price’ for media rights.

Infantino described offers from broadcasters in the ‘Big Five’ European countries as ‘very disappointing’ and ‘a slap in the face’, claiming bids of between £800,000 and £8million ($1m and $10m) had been made compared to £80.3m-£160m ($100m-200 m) for the men’s version.

The five countries are thought to be Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

However, in January, Mail Sport revealed that a UK deal – which would see matches shown on both BBC and ITV - was close.

And it is understood that remains the case with an agreement said to be ‘imminent’.

Those with knowledge of the situation believe Infantino’s comments were more aimed at the other European big guns.

'This is a slap in the face of all the great FIFA Women's World Cup players and indeed of all women worldwide,’ he had said.

‘To be very clear, it is our moral and legal obligation not to undersell the FIFA Women's World Cup.

‘Therefore, should the offers continue not to be fair (towards women and women's football), we will be forced not to broadcast the FIFA Women's World Cup into the 'Big Five' European countries.’

Matches will not take place in prime-time hours in Europe thanks to the time difference.

The World Cup starts on July 20 and ends August 20. England kick-off in Brisbane on July 22 with a 9.30am start and then play Denmark in Sydney at 7.30am.

Defending champions USA start both their games at midnight GMT.