The BBC used its live coverage of Saturday’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City to remind viewers they need a TV licence to watch live sport.
During the half-time coverage, viewers were shown a QR code inviting them to check whether they needed a licence or to buy one.
Commentator Guy Mowbray told viewers: “The World Cup starts on 11 June, and don’t forget you need a TV licence to enjoy all the live action. You can get yours, make it easy for you, via the QR code that’s on the screen now.”
The intervention comes as the BBC becomes increasingly vocal in promoting the £180 annual fee amid falling take-up of the licence fee.
Recent continuity announcements have also thanked viewers for their support.
The number of people paying the licence fee has fallen to around 80% of those eligible to pay.
The government is currently considering future BBC funding options, including whether the licence fee should be extended to cover households using streaming services such as Netflix and HBO Max.
Under current rules, viewers need a licence to watch live television or live streamed events, including sport, but not to watch most on-demand programming on subscription streaming services outside of the BBC.
