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FIFA has decided to market its own rights for the television coverage in Europe of the 2010 World Cup which will take place in South Africa, FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced.
Blatter said world football's governing body estimated that receipts would total around one billion euros.
He said this was double the figure for receipts from European broadcasters for the 2006 World Cup finals to be held in Germany.
FIFA will undertake direct negotiations with broadcasters in the five major European markets - France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain - while for the other countries in Europe, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will handle negotiations on behalf of FIFA.
"It is a major step forward for football and it proves our sport has acquired major importance," Blatter said.
He added: "People always said if FIFA had an event in Africa it would reduce its income. This is not the case."
The five major European markets will account for 80 percent of the receipts, with the other countries making up the remaining 20 percent, Blatter said.
The decision was taken at a meeting of FIFA's Executive Committee in Frankfurt ahead of the Confederations Cup final between Brazil and Argentina. Source: Yahoo News |
