Tokyo, March 8, 2006 -- Brazil's quest for a World Championships double in Japan this year will be followed every step of the way by the country's biggest television network, TV Globo.
The FIVB announced in Lausanne on Tuesday, March 7, the signing of a major agreement with TV Globo for the broadcasting rights in the Brazilian territory for the majority of the FIVB's international events through to 2010.
The deal secures the broadcasting rights for the FIVB World Championships 2006 and 2010 (men and women), FIVB World League (2006-2010), FIVB World Grand Prix (2006-2010), FIVB 2007 World Cup for men and women, and the Beach Volleyball FIVB World Tour (2006-2010).
FIVB President Dr Ruben Acosta welcomed the agreement, which successfully concludes the FIVB's invitation to tender for the broadcasting rights in Brazil.
"TV Globo is already a long-standing broadcast partner of the FIVB for the Brazilian territory," said Dr Acosta.
"We are happy to be able to continue our partnership well ahead into the future, particularly given the importance of Brazilian teams, who have an unparalleled record in international volleyball and beach volleyball."
Mr Marcelo de Campos Pinto, Executive Director of Globo Sports, commented: "This significant investment will bring the top volleyball action to the many fans of the sport in Brazil and will undoubtedly help us to maintain our position as a leader in sports broadcasting in Brazil."
Under the deal, TV Globo -- the fourth biggest commercial television network in the world -- will also be the host broadcaster for all FIVB events held in Brazil.
Brazil's women's and men's teams, therefore, can look forward to fanatical support at the venues in Japan and also back home during the 2006 FIVB World Championships, which run from October 31 to December 3 in 10 cities.
The women have never won the World Championships, and will begin their campaign in Pool C against Puerto Rico, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, USA and Cameroon in Kobe, western Japan, from October 31 to November 5.
Brazil are the reigning world champions in men's volleyball, having won the title for the first time in Argentina in 2002. They will play Cuba, Greece, France, Australia and Germany in first-round Pool B action in Fukuoka, on the southernmost of Japan's four main islands, Kyushu, from November 17-22.
