Petition · past parliament
Instruct the BBC & ITV to reshow the 1998 FIFA world cup as live.
Rejected
19 signatures
What the petition asks
COVID-19 has resulted in social distancing (people living in isolation) and the suspension of sporting activities. Thus COVID-19 is the sole focus of national conversation. Whilst this is rightly the case, over a prolonged period it possess the risk of having an adverse impact on mental health.
The government should instruct the BBC & ITV to reshow as live a tournament e.g. the 1998 FIFA world cup. Thus allowing a second national conversation to take place for a large percentage of the population.
This second conversation would provide a useful distraction and stop people ruminating on: the risk the disease will pose to elderly love ones, and other concerns individuals have at this time. Additional it would support social isolation & provide a platform for public health messages.
This second conversation would provide a useful distraction and stop people ruminating on: the risk the disease will pose to elderly love ones, and other concerns individuals have at this time. Additional it would support social isolation & provide a platform for public health messages.
Why it was rejected
It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.
Broadcasting decisions are a matter for individual broadcasters and not the UK Government or Parliament.
Timeline
| 27 Mar 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 7 May 2020 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
19
Status
Rejected
Rejected
7 May 2020
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.