The SPQN and SPQR (regional press) expressed their concerns about the problems that now occur with every big sporting event.

“Journalists and newspaper editors are having a harder and harder time doing their job and informing readers. Where there once was lots of freedom of reporting and of work for the press, restrictions to the right to information and on press freedom are multiplying.”

The document points to the difficulties in getting journalists’ accreditations, the increased barriers set up against sports events photos, and the new regulations concerning the presentation of these pictures.

“The IRB seeks to take a new step by trying to limit the number of publishable picturesper game on newspaper websites, and by trying to appropriate themselves free, worldwide and life-long rights on pictures taken by the media.”

48 hours before the World Cup kicks off,  nobody knows how news organizations will respond to the IRB and cover the events.

Source: SPQN and SPQR press release