FIFA admits pre-match video spoils atmosphere

BERLIN, June 13: FIFA and the local organising committee are allowing fans to bring musical instruments into World Cup stadiums and their music is contributing to some superb entertainment in the build-up to kickoff.

However the party atmosphere is being killed off when the stadium loudspeakers and video screens begin playing pre-recorded advertisements, announcements and ''infotainment'' clips -- which even FIFA admits is spoiling the atmosphere.

Asked whether FIFA were aware the video show was dampening fans' enjoyment, Wolfgang Niersbach, vice-president of the local German organising committee, told reporters he agreed that it was.

But he added: ''There has been a pre-match programme worked out to the second for the final 12 minutes before the match starts.

''It contains announcements, information about the teams, the countries playing in the match and so on. But it does change the atmopshere in the stadium.'' Markus Siegler, FIFA's Director of Communications, said the ''infotainment'' programme was a service to the fans and it was probably too late to change the arrangements in the minutes before the start of games.

''However, we are constantly reviewing all aspects of the organisation and if we can possibly have a look at this we will.'' Niersbach said there was also an issue regarding music being played after the game.

''After the match for example, when the players are celebrating a victory with their fans, is not the time loud music should be playing.

''We need some sensitive producers in the stadium to have a 'fingertip' feeling of what should be coming out over the stadium loudspeakers and when.''

Reuters

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