Soccer: Yahoo! to host World Cup 2002 online

Fifa has awarded Yahoo! exclusive rights to host the official websites for the 2002 and 2006 World Cup finals.

The official partnership is intended to boost the internet reach of next year's finals in Japan and South Korea.

The site - which will be available in six languages - will include a messaging service to ensure fans worldwide are kept up to date.

The deal completes the target of 15 official sponsors set by Fifa Marketing AG, a subsidiary set up three months ago after the collapse of former marketing partners ISL/ISMM.

Yahoo! president Jeff Mallett said the site would "create an unprecedented Fifa World Cup experience for passionate fans everywhere".

Fifa president Sepp Blatter added the initiative would ensure anyone can follow the events "at any time of the day or night".

The official website will use the www.FIFAWorldCup.com URL.

It promises to provide breaking news, statistics, live broadcasts and archived video highlights of previous matches.

Financial details of the deal have not been revealed.