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Yahoo! to Stream Exclusive Match Video Highlights of 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan on FIFAworldcup.com
SUNNYVALE, Calif. - Apr. 29, 2002 - Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: YHOO), a leading global Internet media company, today announced that fans globally will have access to video highlights on FIFAworldcup.com, the official Website of the 2002 FIFA World Cup™, marking the first time FIFA World Cup video highlights will officially be available on the Internet. Through a three-way collaboration between Yahoo!, producer and commercial marketer of FIFAworldcup.com; FIFA, the world governing body of football; and KirchSport AG, the company responsible for the marketing of the worldwide broadcast rights to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, FIFAworldcup.com becomes the exclusive global FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™ Internet video highlights provider for all 64 matches from May 31 - June 30.
Given the significant time difference between Korea, Japan, Europe and the Americas - as many as eight hours difference in London and 17 in the Americas - record numbers of fans are expected to visit FIFAworldcup.com at all hours of the day seeking the latest and most in-depth FIFA World Cup information, including video highlights. The video highlight package is part of the "FIFA VIP Club" subscription service ($19.95 USD; payments also available in euros, yen, and wan), which becomes available in mid-May and will include:
· Four minutes of professionally-produced video highlights available as the games end each day but no earlier than 5:30pm CET/12:30pm ET throughout the FIFA World Cup
· On-demand, searchable highlights, giving fans the ability to easily locate their favorite moments, such as all the goals by their favorite team
· Voiceover descriptions/commentary in six languages-English, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and German
· Exclusive video screensavers and vintage FIFA World Cup TV and film footage, telling the story of the last 10 FIFA World Cups
· Sweepstakes and FIFA World Cup ticket opportunities proprietary to the FIFA VIP Club
"This first time distribution of FIFA World Cup video highlights on the Internet represents a progressive approach on behalf of FIFA and KirchSport, while showcasing Yahoo!'s leadership in effectively delivering sports video content to fans globally," said Jerry Yang, co-founder and Chief Yahoo. "These video highlights will serve as a cornerstone of FIFAworldcup.com's extensive offering for millions of passionate football fans - no matter their time zone or country."
"This is an important agreement which ushers in a new era in communication and allows football fans greater choice, giving them the ability to access the event and enjoy the action, wherever they are in the world," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. "I am particularly pleased that it has been done in complementary fashion that respects the role of our broadcast partners."
Randy Bernstein, Vice President FIFA World Cup Partnership commented:
"We're extremely pleased to offer video highlights to football fans globally on FIFAworldcup.com. "These highlights raise fans' FIFA World Cup experience to a whole new level for fans as they can truly take advantage of FIFAworldcup.com's 24-hour availability."
FIFAworldcup.com - One Global Stage
In September 2001, Yahoo! and FIFA entered into an exclusive, multi-year, global relationship whereby they produce, market, and commercially operate the Official Website of the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups (http://www.FIFAworldcup.com). At the same time, Yahoo! has become one of 15 Official FIFA Partners worldwide for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan Ô (May 31 - June 30), the FIFA Women's World Cup China PR 2003 and 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. To date, Budweiser, MasterCard International, adidas and Philips have joined as the first four Official FIFA Partners to acquire sponsorship opportunities on FIFAworldcup.com. In addition, the Korean National Tourism Organization (KNTO), the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), United Airlines, Nintendo and Motorola Inc. are also sponsoring FIFAworldcup.com.
About Yahoo!
Yahoo! Inc. is a leading provider of comprehensive online products and services to consumers and businesses worldwide. Yahoo! reaches more than 237 million individuals worldwide each month, and is the No. 1 Internet brand globally. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Yahoo!'s global network includes 25 World properties and is available in 13 languages.
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Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logo are registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc.
All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™, the Official Emblem, the Official Mascots and the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy are trademarks of FIFA, registered in numerous territories around the world"
Media Contacts:
Dean Jutilla, Yahoo! Inc., (408) 349-5338, djutilla@yahoo-inc.com
Sue Jackson, Yahoo! Europe PR, 44 207 8084526, suej@uk.yahoo-inc.com
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