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'Popular team' rakes in cash
28/04/2008 20:13 - (SA)
Berlin - The German soccer federation reported robust financial health on Monday on the back of the popularity of the national team, which draws the highest television ratings in the country.
Broadcast money for the team's games helped the federation generated revenues of €160m for the past two years, while savings hit €100m.
"We can be proud of our work - this is a great story," federation president Theo Zwanziger said.
However, there is one concern. Antitrust authorities are investigating whether the federation has colluded with the Bundesliga on sponsors. An unfavourable ruling could void the lucrative TV deals.
"Right now, we have a state of legal uncertainty," Zwanziger said. "That's the worst thing that can happen to you. We wish the investigation will end quickly."
The federation bills itself as the world's largest sports body with six million members. It serves as the umbrella organization for all of German soccer from the national team down to youth leagues.
The national team, a three-time World Cup winner, can draw up to 30 million TV viewers for a big game in a country of 82 million, and generates the most profit for the federation.
Television contracts for 2004-09 reached €720m after Pay-TV Premiere agreed recently to screen games already broadcast into homes free on public television.
The federation expects to lose money on the European Championship in June unless the national team reaches the semifinals. For 2008, it has budgeted for €7m.
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Rugby
