World Cup - Good News for UK Viewers
Viewers in the UK will get to see the 2002 World Cup on terrestrial television after all.
UK broadcasters BBC and ITV have reached a compromise deal with media mogul Leo Kirch's Prisma Sports to broadcast all 64 World Cup matches from Korea and Japan as well as the 2006 Finals in Germany.
The new deal breaks an earlier impasse over the German company's
demand of US$ 245m
for the rights and the British broadcasters offer of US$ 80m.
New negotiations took place after England qualified for the finals with a 2-2 draw in their last match with Greece.
No definite financial details have so far been announced but it appears the BBC and ITV paid less than the original asking price, somewhere in the region of US$200m for live coverage of both the 2002 and 2006 tournaments.
The agreement also includes non-exclusive rights for BBC Radio, which means Radio Five Live listeners will also be able to tune in.
BBC Director of Sport Peter Salmon said: "We can now give our viewers the best seat in the house for the best football."
England's qualification for the 2002 Finals could lead to an estimated US$200m windfall for the English game from increased advertising and sponsorship.
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