World Cup Organizer Riles with Stadium Fiefdoms

[Kellanved]

Germany is bracing for an advertising onslaught during the World Cup this summer. But FIFA, soccer's governing body, has secured special privileges for the tournament's sponsors by imposing some exceptionally rigid rules. Some are comical, some audacious -- and many are legally controversial.

In public relations terms, it hasn't been a good month for Germany's World Cup preparations. Organizers have been exasperated by a consumer watchdog's criticism of safety standards in several of the tournament stadiums, and local politicians are fuming at the decision by football's world governing body FIFA to cancel the opening gala in Berlin.

As if that weren't enough, there's a row between FIFA, the World Cup organizing committee and the city of Berlin over FIFA's tight advertising restrictions. The dispute is being followed closely in the eleven other cities hosting tournament matches. It's a potentially explosive conflict, and Munich Mayor Christian Ude has already complained about "gagging contracts" meant to protect exclusive ad rights.

FIFA and the host cities have been arguing about commercial rights in the areas surrounding the stadiums and at official big-screen match broadcasts. At issue are the advertising opportunities for the official FIFA sponsors -- and lots of money...

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