Japan promises 'World Cup - the next generation'
Reuters - Wednesday 01 December 2010, 18:09
ZURICH - Japan promised its bid to host a
"next generation" World Cup in 2022 was not science fiction as
leaders pledged to broadcast holographic images of matches live
to 400 stadiums around the world.
"There will be live relay of World Cup matches, played out
lifesize in 3D," Junji Ogura, chairman of Japan's bid, told
FIFA's executive committee on the eve of Thursday's vote, adding
that broadcasts would be shared with all 208 of FIFA's member
nations.
"It's not about one nation hosting the games, it's about 208
countries and regions," he said as Japan promised to deliver
what they described as the "first next generation World Cup".
Kohzo Tashima, CEO of the Japan bid, said the broadcasting
rights for the new technology would be sold separately, greatly
increasing revenue for football's governing body.
"This is the magic which will revolutionise the experience,
the excitement," said Tashima who, like all the presenters, wore
Japanese replica shirts.
The presentation was begun by an eight-year-old girl who
said that visitors would be provided with handheld devices
which, amongst other things, could offer instant translations
between any of around 50 languages.
"Just imagine the crowds in 400 stadiums watching matches,
looking down at the pitch turned into a giant screen," said
Howard Stringer, Sony Corp chairman and CEO. "This is not
science fiction, it's science fact."
Japan is bidding against Australia, South Korea, Qatar and
the United States for the right to stage the 2018 World Cup,
with the decision coming on Thursday.