"The exclusive worldwide broadcast rights to the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups remain under the direct control of KirchSport AG, as the result of a restructuring which took place last month in response to the impending insolvency of KirchMedia," Kirch said in a statement.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter added: "FIFA has an excellent partnership with KirchSport, which has achieved and exceeded its sales targets, has effectively overseen the complex host broadcast operations and is playing a key role in the success of the forthcoming event. We look forward to this productive contractual relationship continuing through 2006."
