Seoul, 31 May 2002 - For the first time in history, Japanese football fans will be able to watch the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ Match Highlights and exclusive video content from the FIFA archive on their mobile phones.

The agreement was reached between FIFA and KirchSport, the company responsible for the world-wide marketing and sales of FIFA broadcast rights to the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup™.

The transmission of video and audio images is available on a delayed basis through FOMA, NTT DoCoMo’s newest line of third generation mobile telephones. FOMA is one of the most advanced operational technologies in the world as well as one of the first third generation services to go live to consumers.

This exclusive service has been launched on the FOMA version of FIFAworldcup.com and is operated in cooperation with Yahoo! Japan. The video and audio transmission technology is provided by iValue Creation Company of Toshiba Corporation, FIFA’s Official IT Partner.

Until the end of the 2002 FIFA World Cup™, FOMA users will see 1 minute of highlights of the opening match, three matches of the Japanese National Team in the first round, and eight matches from the quarterfinals on. In addition, the Match Highlights service will also be incorporated into FIFA's already launched i-mode version of FIFAworldcup.com, although for viewing the Match Highlights, users will need to have a FOMA i-motion enabled phone.

FIFA has moved decisively into the new communications era, utilising the latest technologies to bring the best of the FIFA World Cup™ action to the fans, no matter where they may be. By launching the video highlights, FIFA has listened to the voices of football fans across the globe and has responded by providing the ultimate way to stay in touch with the action.

Enquiries to be addressed to:
FIFA Media Office
Tel: +41-1/254 9800
Fax: +41-1/384 9696

FIFA Communications Division
Seoul, 31 May 2002