FIFA will launch the first real infotainment program at the official opening game of the FIFA Confederations Cup between hosts Germany and Australia on Wednesday.

For the first time, FIFA will deliver a complete entertainment program for each of the 16 matches at the 5th FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany 2005, making use of various available elements to exploit the full potential of giant screens.

The infotainment program will start three hours before kick-off. In case of two matches a day, both games will be broadcast live in a "public viewing session" in the venue of the later match.

FIFA is the first international federation to show football games directly on giant screens, although it is imposing restrictions on the replaying of controversial scenes. "FIFA is convinced that the infotainment program will build an important element in helping to turn FIFA events into a successful tournament by creating a special feel-good factor among the fans waiting for the upcoming game. The program should entertain and inform football fans from all over the world," said Urs Linsi, General Secretary of FIFA.

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2005)