ESPN STAR Sports to telecast 2010 FIFA World Cup, Confederations Cup

New Delhi, Jul 2 (UNI) ESPN STAR Sports today announced its new contract with FIFA as it bought the exclusive television rights to broadcast FIFA's stellar line-up of international football events including the 2010 World Cup for the Indian sub-continent. Under the terms of agreement, ESPN STAR Sports will have the exclusive rights to show over 275 international football games including the 2010 World Cup and the Confederations Cup both to be held in South Africa.

In addition, it will bring other premier FIFA World Cup events for men, women, youth, Futsal and Beach Soccer for fans in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal.

''I am proud that today with ESPN-Star-Sports an important key player in the sports industry is joining the FIFA Family to further enhance football across its platforms in the Sub-Indian region,'' FIFA president Joseph S Blatter said.

''The fact that ESPN Star Sports is entering in its record deal in Indian market, underlines its commitment to football.

It ensures that images of our events including the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be seen by the widest possible audience across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka - steadily growing football markets.

''It is a major milestone in our history and the football in the entire region will undoubtedly benefit from this deal sealed today,'' he added.

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