Ericsson and FIFA, the world governing body of football, have signed a global agreement for the use of Ericsson's content management and service delivery platforms to deliver a wide range of multimedia content. The deal means that key events in the football calendar, such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, will be available to watch on subscribers' mobile phones and other portable devices.

The deal, which was signed jointly in Switzerland and Sweden at the start of 2008, will enable FIFA to license coverage of its activities to mobile operators and broadcasters around the world. In turn, this will allow operators to offer customized content to subscribers. Services are due to begin during 2009.

Hubert Kjellberg, head of internet and media segment at Ericsson, says: "This is a great opportunity for football fans all around the world - to watch their favorite sport on their mobile phones. Ericsson's platform and services will be configured to meet the specific needs of telecom operators, media companies and other service providers acting in the marketplace."

FIFA Secretary General Jérome Valcke, says: We are working hard to make our football content available to as many people as possible, on as many platforms as possible. We trust that Ericsson's expertise and wide geographical reach will give our licensees a good opportunity to bring the excitement and action of various FIFA competitions to the mobile phones of fans all over the world."

As an example of the tailored services that could be available, FIFA will be able to offer broadcasters a rich choice of programming ranging from live matches, recordings or highlights from selected events. The type of content on offer will range from basic information to advanced mobile TV and video solutions.

"The agreement with FIFA is a good example of how Ericsson is expanding by doing business with completely new types of customer," says Patrik Regårdh, Ericsson's head of strategic marketing.*

"When we think of content, we easily think of music or film. But big events, such as concerts and soccer, are also vital content in the minds of the public, and this is where we can expand the value of telecommunications,” says Regårdh. "For Ericsson it is something of a natural fit to team up with global players such as FIFA, and this enables us to increase the value of the experience both from a customer and business perspective, by delivering that experience through the networks and into the hands of more consumers."