South African media challenge FIFA World Cup coverage rules
January 31, 2010 12:24 am
JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 30 – FIFA, the controlling body of international football, is facing rough sailing from South African media over regulations it seeks to impose on coverage of the World Cup.
South Africa will host the FIFA World Cup from June 11 to July 11.
On Friday, the Times newspaper there reported three South African media agencies sent a statement to FIFA.
The media houses say conditions FIFA is imposing on journalists during the World Cup are unconstitutional.
Avusa Media Limited, Independent Newspapers and Media 24 said restrictions outlined by FIFA "unjustifiably restrict the media's ability to report critically on the FIFA World Cup and any related or ancillary topics".
The statement notes FIFA "holds a monopoly over all matters pertaining to the 2010 FIFA World Cup".
Because of this monopoly, media have no choice but to agree to its terms.
FIFA's terms include a clause that news organizations cannot harm the World Cup's reputation.
The newspaper groups submit that under South African law, prior restraint on publication is unlawful "or justifiably on the basis that it is true and in the public interest, protected by fair comment, or is reasonable."
They also believe the accreditation terms are "procedurally unfair, unlawful and unconstitutional." FIFA's South African local organizing committee spokesman Rich Mkhondo said the body is looking into the issue. (PNA/Xinhua)
DCT/CJT/rsm
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